By Pamela Geller, THE GELLER REPORT 26 December 2023
Israel is on the front lines of the global jihad. She is the thin blue line that keeps jihadi terror at bay against the West. Look at how Islamic terror proxies are turning major cities in the West (USA and Europe) into war zones. Denying Israel cripples the West’s war in defense of freedom and Western civilization. This will come back to bite us – in spades.
US rejects Israeli request for vital Apache attack helicopters
The IAF currently has only two squadrons of the vitally-needed air asset, and they are being flown around the clock to support troops in the field.
By Batya Jerenberg, WORLD ISRAEL NEWS
The United States has rejected an Israeli request for Apache attack helicopters to help its forces fight Hamas during the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, but the answer may not be final, Ynet reported Tuesday.
The IDF asked the Pentagon if it could purchase the choppers a few weeks ago, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also pressed his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, for them, when the Secretary of Defense visited Israel last week, said the news site.
“Security sources” told Ynet that Israel is not taking “no” for an answer and that the Americans have not put a decisive kibosh on the acquisition.
The IAF currently has only 48 of these aircraft, which are being flown around the clock to support troops in Gaza and conduct airstrikes to deter Hezbollah terrorists in the north. They are so vitally needed that overage pilots in their fifties have been called out of retirement to fly combat missions so that the regular pilots and active reservists can rest a little more.
There is one squadron each of the AH-64A and D varieties, which have already been decommissioned in the U.S. as their Boeing manufacturer has gone on to produce the faster, stronger, AH-64E that has improved avionics, radar and other systems. The IAF has mulled for years whether to invest in the E version or wait for an even more advanced attack helicopter that won’t be on sale until the early 2030s.
The decision to go with 20 of the currently available Apache E’s was reportedly made in May, but none had yet been ordered. At the time, the idea was not to add another squadron but replace the oldest aircraft, for which it is very difficult to find spare parts anymore. Considering current circumstances, the phase-out may be drawn out over a longer period of time.
Top 10 Attack Helicopters in the World in Reverse. Apache is the #1. To me none of the other helicopters are viable purchases for Israel. To read about them follow this link.
https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/25758-top-10-attack-helicopters-in-service-today
10. Denel Rooivalk
9. Changhe Z-10
8. Mil Mi-24
7. Agusta A129 Mangusta
6. Kamov Ka-52
5. TAI T129 ATAK
4. Eurocopter Tiger
3. Bell AH-1Z Viper
2. Mil Mi-28NM Havoc
Top – 1 AH-64E Apache Guardian
An attack helicopter is not rocket science. Israel can build a better one, I’m sure, but the problem is that they need it now. By not supplying this weapon system, Biden hinders Israel, helps Hamas, and prolongs the war. Perhaps this is what the MIC wants.
After all these years of dependence for weapons, on one country, makes NO SENSE.
Furthermore, IL is very liberal when allowing other countries to benefit from its own technologies.
John Galt III, I agree with you. The principle behind this type of helicopter is essentially the same; the details can be very different, but the Israelis are very bright when it comes to accommodating military equipment from different
sources… I’m sure they will be able to accommodate whatever type(s) they buy.
@John Galt, Israel currently has Apache Helicopters, so the pilots know how to fly them. The maintenance crews know how to keep them running and the parts logistics systems are setup for them.
Hopefully the USA has enough of them in the pipeline to sell Israel and agrees to it! This is important. Not so easy to just buy another attack helicopter and one of quality plus all the training, logistics and maintenance systems that would go into it.
I believe the Apache is also the best attack helicopter in the world. It is by reputation.
Buy an attack helicopter from another country if the US won’t provide them. Israel gets its submarines and largest naval vessels from Germany. Europe, Japan and Korea can make these helicopters.
Just a thought.