Tel Aviv: Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD) Director General, Maj Gen (Res.) Amir Baram, instructed the Ministry’s Mission to the United States to sign the agreement with the Pentagon, following Israeli government approval on Wednesday, October 14.
Under the agreement, the Israeli defence establishment will acquire 12 advanced Apache attack helicopters manufactured by US company Boeing. The helicopters, scheduled for delivery at the beginning of the next decade, are of the “Echo” variant, the newest and most advanced model of the helicopter.
The agreement was tailored through a joint Israeli-American effort to meet the needs of the State of Israel. The formulation of the agreement and the framework for its execution were led by the IMOD Mission to the United States and the Ministry’s Budget Department.
The IMOD expressed its deep appreciation to the US administration for its unwavering support for Israel’s security needs.
Defence Minister, Israel Katz, stated, “The procurement of the Apache helicopters is a critical step in the IDF’s force buildup, one that will strengthen its operational capabilities against a wide range of threats and contribute to the security of the State of Israel in the years to come. The Israeli defence establishment invested considerable effort and acted with determination to overcome the challenges and complete this agreement, out of a deep understanding of its importance in ensuring the IDF’s strength and readiness for future challenges.”
The defence minister further added, “I thank our partners in the US administration and the Pentagon for their steadfast commitment to Israel’s security, and for the cooperation and flexibility that made this agreement possible. Thank you to all those involved, led by IMOD Director General Maj Gen (Res.) Amir Baram, for their professional and dedicated work, and for the perseverance that led to the completion of this important procurement.”
IMOD Director General Maj Gen (Res.) Amir Baram, remarked, “The execution of the Apache agreement was made possible thanks to creative solutions we developed together with our American partners, without compromising operational needs. This professional work with the US administration reflects the depth of our strategic relationship and the mutual commitment to Israel’s security. The IMOD will continue to work at full pace to sign additional critical agreements, including the acquisition of additional platforms, munitions, interceptors, and more. This is to ensure immediate readiness for any scenario, alongside the implementation of the decade-long force buildup plan, as part of the IMOD’s strategy in the face of emerging challenges.”
President of Boeing Israel, Maj Gen (Res.) Ido Nehushtan, said, “Boeing has been a trusted partner of Israel in building and advancing the country’s national defence capabilities since its earliest days, and we are proud to continue serving as a leading supplier of fighter aircraft, helicopters, munitions and other equipment in the future.”
He added, “The IDF’s selection of the Apache E, following its selection of the world’s most advanced refueling aircraft, the KC-46A, and the decision to procure a second squadron of the world’s most advanced fighter jets, the F-15IA, is compelling proof of its proven operational capabilities on the battlefield and its continued relevance in addressing evolving threats and future operational challenges. Boeing will work in close cooperation with the Government of Israel to provide the Israeli Air Force with the world’s most advanced and capable attack helicopters.”
