Upgrade to boost Israeli Apaches' defensive abilities

摘要

The Israeli air force is equipping its Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters with two new systems that will improve the aircraft's capability to defend itself from surface-launched threats. Trialled in recent months during a series of test flights, the additional systems will detect the approach of infrared- and radar-guided missiles. Series installation work will begin soon, with the enhancement "based on the huge operational experience of the force in using the Apache Longbow in a variety of combat scenarios", an official at the service headquarters' weapons systems unit tells the Israeli air force magazine. Introducing the expanded self-defence capability is just one part of a wider effort to make Israel's AH-64Ds its premier tool for performing precision strikes. "This is the ultimate war machine for short- and long-range precision missions," Apache Longbow pilot "Lt N" says.