Washington has approved a comprehensive arms package for Israel. As the US State Department announced at the end of January that it had given a green light to four possible contracts with a total value of approximately 6.6 billion dollars. By far the largest single item involves the acquisition of modern Apache attack helicopters—a system that Israel’s defense establishment now considers urgently necessary.
The most significant contract, valued at around 3.8 billion dollars, includes AH-64E Apache attack helicopters along with associated equipment. Additional agreements cover the procurement of Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) for approximately 1.98 billion dollars. These are modern, protected vehicles for infantry units. Further contracts involve propulsion units for Israel’s heavy Namer infantry fighting vehicle worth about 740 million dollars, as well as light multi-role helicopters of the AW119Kx type for roughly 150 million dollars.
The final implementation of the package still depends on additional legal steps and approval by the US Congress. Politically, however, the direction is clearly set.
According to reports in the Hebrew-language daily Maariv, the Israel Defense Forces have drawn fundamental lessons in recent months from the Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, 2023. It has become clear that unmanned systems alone are insufficient to effectively protect Israel’s borders.
A senior representative of the Israeli defense establishment stated that drones provide only a limited and fragmented situational picture. Attack helicopters like the Apache, on the other hand, enable real-time comprehensive battlefield overview. This advantage is decisive, particularly in defending against infiltrations, combating guerrilla forces in the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon, and in the face of simultaneous threats from Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen.
In recent years, the number of attack helicopters in the Israeli Air Force had been significantly reduced. Now, according to the report, the Air Force is considering the acquisition of up to 100 Apache aircraft. At least half of them should be delivered as quickly as possible to close existing capability gaps.
The other components of the package are also part of this re-evaluation. The Namer infantry fighting vehicle, whose propulsion units are now to be renewed, is based on the chassis of the Merkava IV main battle tank and is considered one of the best-protected armored vehicles in the world. The additional JLTV vehicles are intended to further improve the mobility and protection of infantry units.
The US State Department emphasized that the United States is committed to Israel’s security. It is in the national interest of the USA to support Israel in maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. The planned arms sale is consistent with these goals.
As early as September, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration was lobbying Congress for an arms package worth around six billion dollars. This was to include, among other things, 30 Apache attack helicopters, thousands of armored vehicles, as well as extensive spare parts and logistical support.
If the US Congress approves it, the package would be one of the largest security assistance projects for Israel in years—and a clear signal that Jerusalem is once again placing greater emphasis on manned military capabilities and immediate air superiority following October 7.
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