The government of Israel has requested a possible sale of eight AH-64D Apache attack helicopters, 10 AN/APG-78 AH-64D Longbow Fire Control Radar, configuration of 70 M272 Hellfire missile launchers to M299 Hellfire missile launchers, spare and repair parts, communications equipment, support equipment, tools and test sets, chaff dispensers, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor technical support and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $509 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in Middle East.
Israel desires these articles to fulfill their strategic commitments for self-defense and self-reliance. The proposed sale will upgrade its anti-armor day/night missile capability, provide for the defense of vital installations and provide close air support for the military ground forces. Israel, which already has Apache helicopters in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be Boeing Co. of Mesa, Ariz.; Lockheed Martin Electronics and Missiles, Orlando, Fla.; Lockheed Martin Federal Systems, Owego, N.Y.; General Electric, Lynn, Mass.; and Longbow LLC, Orlando, Fla. One or more proposed offset agreements may be related to this proposed sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. government or contractor representatives to Israel.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
