Israel shifts back to the Apache as UAV switch fails
The AH-64E, the current configuration of Boeing’s Apache attack helicopter, will replace the IAF’s AH-64As and AH-64Ds. (Photo: Boeing)
The IAF has equipped its Apache helicopter fleet with Rafael’s Spike NLOS missile.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has been attempting to attain early delivery of 40 US-made Boeing AH-64E Apache combat helicopters. The development follows the failure of an attempt to prove that unmanned armed systems could be a fully capable replacement for combat helicopters.
Before the country’s war in Gaza began on 7 October 2023, the IAF had developed a service plan in which it intended to place more armed UAVs into service and gradually phase out the force’s existing fleet of AH-64As (designated Peten) and AH-64Ds (Saraf).
As the war evolved, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) found that fighting in
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium’s star is on the rise]()
Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium’s star is on the rise
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
-
![Norway contributes NOK 700 million to Ukraine drone donation]()
Norway contributes NOK 700 million to Ukraine drone donation
Other countries, including Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Latvia, have also donated funds towards drones and maritime training for Ukraine.
-
![Lockheed secures more than $12 billion in contracts for F-35 production and TR-3 upgrades]()
Lockheed secures more than $12 billion in contracts for F-35 production and TR-3 upgrades
The contracts include a $678.4-million contract for F-35 modification kits, along with an earlier December 2024 contract worth $11.7 billion for the production and delivery of 145 F-35 Lot 18 aircraft.
-
![Saudi Arabia “considering its options” with potential 100 Kaan jet acquisition]()
Saudi Arabia “considering its options” with potential 100 Kaan jet acquisition
Despite local media reports, an analyst has suggested that the country could be using these discussions as a way to gain bargaining power to bolster its bid to join the Global Combat Air Programme.
-
![Boeing wins $615 million USAF contract for F-15 electronic warfare system production]()
Boeing wins $615 million USAF contract for F-15 electronic warfare system production
Work on the F-15 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) kit production is expected to conclude by 2030. It will provide the USAF’s F-15E and F-15EX aircraft with the latest electronic warfare (EW) countermeasure system.
