The Israeli air force has reopened talks with Boeing over a possible purchase of AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters. The move comes after Boeing agreed a 30% discount on the price.
Earlier this year, Boeing proposed a deal to supply a squadron of AH-64Ds for $560 million. This price was above the Israeli air force's budget, which forced it to consider instead the Bell Helicopter TextronAH-1Z SuperCobra.
Boeing has now agreed to discount the price to $410 million. Although this is still above the Israeli air force's budget, the country has resumed negotiations with the manufacturer.
The air force is considering the purchase of 18-20 helicopters and the upgrading to the Longbow version of its two squadrons of AH-64A Apaches. It is unclear whether the reduced price includes Longbow radars for some or all of the AH-64Ds.
Source: Flight International
