At an estimated cost of $660 million, the U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Israel containing 3,000 AGM- 114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles and related equipment and support. Officially notifying Congress of the planned sale on February 7, 2025, is the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
Among the several missile variations in the package are the R3, F, F/A, K1, K1A, K2, K3, K3A, KA, N, N3, and R kinds. Support and test equipment, integration and test support, replacement and repair parts, software distribution and support, publications and technical documentation, and people training and training equipment are all covered. Additionally, the U.S. government and contractors will provide engineering, technical, and logistical support services.
Lockheed Martin is the main contractor; deliveries will start in 2028.
Strategic Value
The DSCA underlined that this transaction would increase Israel's capabilities to handle present and future threats by improving the Israeli Air Force's capacity to defend the country's borders, vital infrastructure, and population centres. The deal is also intended to enhance interoperability with American troops, therefore supporting the close defence cooperation between the two countries.
DSCA also pointed out that Israel would have no trouble incorporating these weapons into its armed forces, therefore guaranteeing flawless acceptance into current military systems.
This clearance confirms their strategic defence cooperation, which fits the U.S. dedication to assisting Israel's military modernisation initiatives.
