First Report: IDF Urgently Needs Helicopters – and the Order May Get Stuck

The IDF urgently needs new attack and transport helicopters, but the ministerial committee only approved the purchase of 12 Apache helicopters in principle, without a financial commitment. Without final approval from the Treasury, Israel may lose its place in the production line and pay double in the future. In addition, the IDF wants to exercise an option to purchase ten more 'Reshef' missile ships.

The IDF urgently needs new attack and transport helicopters, but the deal may get stuck due to Treasury opposition. The ministerial committee approved in principle the purchase of 12 new Apache helicopters, but without a financial commitment, Israel may lose its place in the production line and pay double in the future. The Air Force currently operates two small squadrons of Apache A and D models, old helicopters without spare parts. The plan is to purchase half a new squadron, 12 in number, to initially maintain the two squadrons, although the IDF needs long-term three squadrons and at least 50 new helicopters. In addition, the IDF needs to procure heavy transport helicopters of the 'Fire' type, with an immediate need to approve an option for six helicopters out of 12 ordered by the Ministry of Defense. In the long term, the IDF wants to double the procurement to over 30 Fire helicopters. Also, the IDF urgently needs to exercise the procurement of ten 'Reshef' ships being built at Israel Shipyards in Haifa, an option that will upgrade the Navy's attack capabilities. Defense establishment sources say the Treasury opposes the plan approved by the government and is taking steps to torpedo progress, with the Apache helicopter issue at the center. The establishment hopes that in the coming days the Treasury will give final approval to Boeing to purchase the helicopters.