IDF to Purchase 20 New Combat Helicopters – Options on the Agenda for Upgrade

2023-05-23 00:21:40

According to a report in Walla, the IDF will purchase about 20 new combat helicopters from the United States. By 2025, the Air Force will gradually decommission the 24 “Pathan” type helicopters it has, similar to other armies in the world.

According to sources in the IDF, in the coming period the army will be required to make decisions in accordance with the state budget, and to decide between several options that are on the agenda. The IDF could purchase old “Delta” helicopters that have been retired from use by the American army, and upgrade them, or alternatively purchase new Apache helicopters “Eco” type. Another option is to wait and purchase “FARA” type combat helicopters, which are still in production processes and will be ready only at the beginning of the next decade.

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According to estimates, the war in Ukraine will open a special window of opportunity for Israel. The US will supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, but will not supply them with new helicopters that could fall into the hands of the Russians and endanger classified combat technologies. As a result, an exchange deal could be created, in which the Israeli Air Force’s “Patan” fighter helicopters will be transferred to Ukraine through an intermediary , in exchange for the “Eco” type Apache helicopters that will be delivered to Israel.

Officials in the Air Force claim that the most correct move is not to wait for the production of the “FARA”, and to purchase a fleet of 20 Apache helicopters of the “Eco” type in the near future. These helicopters have significantly higher operational capabilities than the existing helicopters in the Air Force. They are faster, more powerful, and the radar installed on them allows them to operate at greater and more accurate ranges. In addition, they can carry 16 missiles and 76 rockets, and an improved cannon is installed in the front. According to foreign publications, Poland, Morocco and Australia are also interested in Apache helicopters “Eco” from the USA, and Germany has even started buying them.

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“There are no more spare parts for the “Patan” helicopters, so they need to be taken out of service,” said a senior official in the IDF, adding, “We have limited resources, but the combat helicopters are still relevant to the battlefield, especially in assisting the ground forces, special operations and even for the current activity of the navy”.

A senior reserve officer, who specializes in the array of combat helicopters and procurement processes, said: “We have seen the involvement of combat helicopters in recent operations in the Gaza Strip. There are tasks that remotely manned aircraft cannot perform without being seen or heard, such as flying at low altitude and launching missiles far from the target. The fact that there A person on the edge with discretion is a significant addition, because there are often changes on the battlefield and quick decisions must be made.”