United States Approves Sale of 30 Apache Helicopters to Israel

The United States Department of war has approved a major potential foreign military sale to Israel that includes 30 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, part of a broader effort to modernize the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) helicopter fleet.

The estimated $3.8 billion sale, notified to the U.S. Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency on January 30, 2026, covers the latest AH-64E Apache Guardian model along with related mission equipment, training support, and logistics.

The AH-64E represents the most advanced variant of the Apache attack helicopter family, featuring upgraded engines, advanced sensors, improved avionics, enhanced survivability systems, and integrated networking capabilities designed to operate in high-threat environments.

Israel’s current attack helicopter fleet consists primarily of older AH-64A and AH-64D models, and the acquisition of new AH-64Es is expected to support a transition toward a more modernized and standardized combat helicopter capability.

In addition to the helicopters themselves, the proposed package includes engines, modernized targeting and sighting systems, longbow fire control radars, advanced countermeasure systems, secure radios, navigation equipment, and embedded GPS/INS systems, as well as training and support elements to integrate the aircraft into Israeli operations.

The sale is part of a larger U.S. arms package to Israel that totals more than $6.5 billion, which also includes other military equipment such as armored tactical vehicles and support systems.

The potential sales are subject to additional procedural steps, including U.S. congressional review under foreign military sales regulations.

U.S. authorities state the sale will enhance Israel’s ability to respond to current and future threats by strengthening its attack helicopter capability and interoperability with U.S. forces.

Israeli defense officials have described the acquisition as a key element of their ongoing modernization efforts for their rotary-wing combat fleet.