Israel’s Defense Ministry and the US Pentagon signed an agreement Wednesday evening for the purchase of 12 advanced Boeing Apache attack helicopters for the IDF, following government approval earlier in the day.
The helicopters are scheduled for delivery at the beginning of the next decade. They will be the Apache “Echo” variant, which the ministry described as the helicopter’s newest and most advanced model.
Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram instructed the ministry’s mission in the United States to sign the agreement after several postponements granted by the US administration at Israel’s request because of budget constraints.
The ministry said the agreement and its financing framework were developed jointly with American officials, with the effort led by its US mission and Budget Department. It thanked the US administration for its support and flexibility, saying the delays had allowed Israel to bridge funding gaps and proceed with the purchase.
Defense Minister Israel Katz described the acquisition as a key investment in the military’s future capabilities.
“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,” Katz said.
He thanked the US administration and the Pentagon for their cooperation, as well as the Israeli officials who worked to overcome the obstacles to completing the deal.
Baram said the agreement was made possible by “creative solutions we developed together with our American partners, without compromising operational needs.”
He added that the ministry would pursue further agreements for military platforms, munitions and interceptors to support immediate readiness while advancing its force buildup plan for the coming decade.
Boeing Israel President Maj. Gen. (res.) Ido Nehushtan welcomed the agreement, saying the company would work closely with the Israeli government to supply the helicopters to the Israeli Air Force. He pointed to Israel’s selection of Boeing’s KC-46A refueling aircraft and its decision to acquire a second F-15IA squadron as further examples of the defense partnership.
Earlier Wednesday, the government approved an urgent telephone vote to redirect hundreds of millions of shekels earmarked for a five-year development plan for Arab communities toward accelerated defense procurement.
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The draft resolution, submitted by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, covers funding for 2027–2029 and cites an “urgent need to expedite defense procurement.” Earlier reporting indicated that the funds were expected to support the Apache purchase.