---
title: "Israel Purchases 12 AH-64E Apache Helicopters: From Reduction Plans to Attack Fleet Expansion"
description: "On October 14, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced the purchase of 12 AH-64E Apache helicopters from Boeing. The ~$1 billion deal marks a reversal from previous plans to reduce the attack helicopter fleet."
date: 2026-10-16T20:28:30.527Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/israel-purchases-12-ah-64e-apache-helicopters
tags: [israel, apache-ah-64e, boeing, military-aviation, idf, defense-contract, hamas]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Israel Purchases 12 AH-64E Apache Helicopters: From Reduction Plans to Attack Fleet Expansion

![Military attack helicopter AH-64 Apache in flight firing a missile during exercises](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/16/izrael-zakupka-12-vertoletov-apache-ah-64e/izrael-zakupka-12-vertoletov-apache-ah-64e-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Israel signed a contract for 12 Apache AH-64E helicopters worth approximately $1 billion, with deliveries expected in the early 2030s
- The decision was made following a doctrine review in light of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023
- Prior to 2023, the IDF General Staff considered reducing the Apache fleet in favor of UAVs
- The US previously approved a potential sale of up to 30 Apaches for $3.8 billion; the remaining 18 aircraft have not yet been ordered

On October 14, the Israeli Ministry of Defense officially announced the signing of an agreement with the US corporation Boeing for the supply of 12 AH-64E attack helicopters, the newest modification of the Apache family. Tel Aviv has not disclosed the value of the contract, but Israeli media estimate the deal at approximately one billion dollars. Deliveries of the aircraft are expected in the early 2030s. This decision represents a major turnaround: just a few years ago, the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was considering reducing the fleet of manned attack helicopters in favor of unmanned systems, and now Israel is not only preserving but expanding its helicopter forces.

### Context: From Reduction to Expansion

Before the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, the Israeli Air Force operated two Apache squadrons: the 13th (AH-64D helicopters) and the 190th (AH-64A), both based at the Ramon Airbase in the Negev Desert. Some of the aircraft had been in service for over 35 years, leading to rising maintenance costs. In the early 2020s, the General Staff discussed disbanding one of the squadrons, while a concurrently developing unmanned aerial vehicle program called into question the viability of investing in manned combat helicopters. However, according to the JNS news agency, by early 2024 the Air Force had already developed plans to expand its forces, including the purchase of two additional Apache squadrons. The slow response in the opening hours of the October 7 offensive and the need for direct ground support in Gaza became key arguments in favor of increasing the fleet.

### Technical Characteristics of the AH-64E

The AH-64E helicopter is equipped with the AN/APG-78 Longbow fire control radar, advanced sensor systems, and manned-unmanned teaming technologies. According to reports, the new version of the Longbow radar features an increased detection range—from 8 to 16 km—as well as the added capability to engage maritime targets. The AH-64E is capable of controlling multiple UAVs, enabling reconnaissance and target identification without bringing the helicopter into a danger zone. The aircraft's arsenal includes AGM-114 Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles, Israeli Spike NLOS missiles with a range of over 25 km, Stinger air-to-air missiles, Hydra unguided rockets, and a 30 mm automatic cannon.

### Connection to the US 30-Helicopter Package

The signed agreement came into effect nearly nine months after the US government approved a potential sale to Israel of up to 30 Apache helicopters for a total estimated cost of $3.8 billion. Currently, Tel Aviv has not announced plans to acquire the remaining 18 aircraft from the approved package. According to Israeli reports, Washington had pressured Israel to sign the agreement promptly, warning that otherwise other foreign customers might be given priority in deliveries.

### Operation Thunder and the New Rapid Response Doctrine

In 2025, Israeli media reported the deployment of an Air Force plan named «Thunder», aimed at preparing for the threat of large-scale invasions from Gaza. According to YnetNews, the level of readiness for sudden invasions was increased by 2.5 times, encompassing requirements for attack helicopters, transport aircraft, UAVs, and fighter jets. Representatives of the Israeli Ministry of Defense stated that the acquisition of the AH-64E is a crucial step in enhancing the IDF's combat readiness amid multi-vector threats. Thus, helicopter aviation, which until recently was considered an «overheated» expense item, has once again become a priority area for the modernization of the Israeli armed forces.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Израиль, ранее рассматривавший возможность сокращения своего парка ударных вертолетов, неожиданно приобрел еще 12 вертолетов Apache.](https://www.vietnam.vn/ru/tung-tinh-giam-truc-thang-tan-cong-israel-bat-ngo-mua-them-12-chiec-apache) - The primary source contains all key facts: announcement date (October 14), quantity (12 AH-64E), estimated cost (~$1 billion), context of US approval for 30 aircraft ($3.8 billion), technical characteristics, squadron history, and the Thunder plan. Reference to JNS as the source of data on 2024 plans.

## FAQ

### How many Apache helicopters is Israel purchasing and what is the cost?

Israel has signed a contract for 12 AH-64E helicopters. The official cost has not been disclosed, but Israeli media estimate the deal at approximately one billion dollars.

### When are the helicopter deliveries expected?

Deliveries of the 12 AH-64E helicopters are expected in the early 2030s.

### Why did Israel reverse its decision to reduce the Apache fleet?

The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and identified shortcomings in response speed forced the IDF to reevaluate its priorities. The need for rapid response, infantry support, and direct pilot coordination with ground forces made manned attack helicopters in-demand once again.

### What is the Longbow radar on the AH-64E?

The AN/APG-78 Longbow is a fire control radar with a detection range of up to 16 km (increased from 8 km in the previous version). It allows for target detection and engagement in adverse weather conditions, as well as attacking maritime targets.