Israel upgrades Apache helicopters after U.S. blocked their modernization
Israel upgrades Apache helicopters after U.S. blocked their modernization | World Tribune.
Special to WorldTribune.com
TEL AVIV — Israel, despite opposition from the Obama administration, has managed to upgrade its fleet of attack helicopters.
Military sources said the Israel Air Force has overseen a project to modernize its AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters.
Israeli AH-64D Apache Longbow
The sources said the Air Force was equipping the Apaches with two new electronic warfare systems developed in the Jewish state.
“They are based on the huge operational experience of the force in using the Apache Longbow in a variety of combat scenarios,” an officer, identified only as Maj. Yonatan, said.
The upgrade has been developed amid the U.S. refusal to modernize Israel’s Apache fleet, employed in attacks on the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
The sources said the administration of President Barack Obama blocked Israeli efforts to modernize the Apaches or purchase new helicopters from Boeing.
The new Israeli systems were cited by the official magazine of the Air Force. The sources said the sensors underwent trials in early 2014 and would be integrated on the Apaches later this year.
The sources said the Air Force would enhance the AH-64A helicopter to D configuration. They cited such capabilities as avionics, EW and advanced munitions, including the AGM-114 Hellfire, produced by the U.S. firm Lockheed Martin.
“The upgraded Apaches now also carry several new Israeli missiles,” a source said.
The sources said the modernization, conducted in the air force base of Ramon, was also meant to ensure interoperability between the Apaches as well
as fixed-wing aircraft and ground assets. They cited communications and common digital maps of the helicopters and the Merkava Mk-4 main battle tank.
“There is now complete interoperability between the Apache with the
Merkava and other vehicles,” the source said.
WarSclerotic 
March 16, 2014 at 10:36 AM
Will Obama alienate Israel to the point of allying with Russia?
March 16, 2014 at 7:02 PM
The Israelis are grandmasters in electronic warfare.And are very much capable of doing their own modernization.What is unfortunate is the messenge being sent by the U.S. to Israel.Which in my humble opinion is more damaging than the denial of the modernization of these war machines.
March 16, 2014 at 7:38 PM
Carlos… Only two years and 9 months left of that “message.” We’ll get past it. America is NOT behind it.
March 17, 2014 at 3:58 PM
The question is how we get past it , things are speeding up as i said before.
And what are we suppose to get after this 2 years and 9 months a fundamental change in USA politics, an other yes we can ?
The basics stay the same , the USA is broking financial and as world power, what will happen to regain there position in the world.
March 17, 2014 at 5:29 PM
The US is not that far gone Joop. Except for a few domestic policies, not much has changed at home here in the USA. We’re a resilient bunch and will make it through the next 1039 days. In fact, we’ll be stronger from the fight.
This tax season has already shown me that the economy is alive and well while improving steadily here in Louisiana. Don’t let the media fool you. What you see is what they want America to become. It just ain’t happening…I assure you. What you also see is Obama’s foreign policy. That’s a wreck for sure, but still, it doesn’t mean America is weak, only it’s President and his operatives.
Our military is the strongest on planet Earth. Our economy on a state level surpasses many countries. Our people are some of the most generous. Our foreign aid is flowing to other countries, including our friends in Israel (hear that Wingate?). The dollar is still the world standard, no matter what Russia and China says. (If you feel differently, why not invest in Russia? Go ahead, I dare you.) And guess what….our domestic oil and gas production will soon rank above all other countries.
The hope and change you speak of in this country has already occurred 238 years ago. Obama is just a distraction and a freak of the political process that surly faces any democracy. I have a proposition. We’ll deal with him on domestic matters and you can deal with him on foreign policy. That’s probably the best you can expect until the end of his term. Domestically, we’re slowly tying him up politically and impairing his idea of progress. You can do the same though your governments by impairing his idea of foreign policy as well.
Patience my friends. While a lot can happen in 1039 days, it’s only a brief period of time.
March 17, 2014 at 9:22 PM
I come back at you in 1039 days,s and i hope and pray i,am wrong