This article summarizes reporting by The Jerusalem Post and official US government announcements.

US Approves $3.8 Billion Sale of Advanced Apache Helicopters to Israel

The United States State Department has officially approved a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Israel valued at approximately $3.8 billion. The package, which centers on the acquisition of 30 AH-64E Apache Guardian attack Helicopters, represents a significant modernization effort for the Israeli Air Force (IAF). According to reporting by The Jerusalem Post and official notifications released on January 31, 2026, the deal includes extensive support equipment, engines, and advanced targeting systems.

This approval is part of a broader arms package totaling over $6.5 billion, which also includes Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) and other ground support equipment. While the authorization signals continued US strategic support, defense officials have clarified that the delivery timeline is long-term, with initial arrivals not expected until the end of the decade.

Deal Specifics and Technical Capabilities

The core of the approved sale involves 30 Boeing-made AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters. The “E” variant is the most advanced iteration of the attack helicopter, offering significant upgrades over Israel’s current fleet of AH-64A “Peten” and AH-64D “Saraf” models. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) details summarized in recent reports, the package includes:

• 30 AH-64E Apache Guardian airframes.
• 70 T700-GE 701D engines (60 installed and 10 spares).
• Advanced Avionics: AN/APG-78 Longbow Fire Control Radars and Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sights (M-TADS/PNVS).
• Support: Logistics, training, spare parts, and technical support from primary contractors Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

Israeli defense officials have previously identified this acquisition as critical for closing capability gaps. The AH-64E features improved speed, range, and the ability to integrate with unmanned aerial systems (UAS), a capability known as Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T).

Timeline and Political Context

Delivery Estimates

Despite the high-profile announcement, this acquisition is not an immediate resupply for current operations. Industry analysts and defense officials note that the administrative process, requiring a signed Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA), means production slots will likely place initial deliveries around 2030. As noted in the research data, funding has been allocated for an initial tranche of roughly 12 helicopters, with the remainder subject to future budget decisions.

Congressional Oversight Controversy

The approval process has generated friction within the US government. According to reports, the administration utilized emergency protocols or expedited procedures that bypassed standard congressional review periods. Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement criticizing the move.

“This is yet another repudiation… of Congress’ Constitutional oversight role,” Meeks stated, noting the administration “refused to engage Congress on critical questions.”

Meeks indicated that he was informed of the decision only shortly before the public announcement, highlighting a rift regarding oversight of arms sales during the fragile ceasefire period in Gaza.

AirPro News Analysis

Regional Deterrence Architecture
At AirPro News, we observe that this sale does not exist in a vacuum. The simultaneous approval of a $9 billion Patriot missile package for Saudi Arabia suggests a coordinated US strategy to fortify regional allies against Iranian influence. By upgrading Israel’s offensive rotary-wing capabilities while bolstering Saudi air defenses, the administration appears to be solidifying a “hub-and-spoke” security architecture in the Middle East.

The Shift to Networked Warfare
The transition to the AH-64E is more than an engine upgrade; it is a shift toward networked warfare. The “E” model’s ability to control drones from the cockpit allows pilots to scout high-threat urban environments, like those encountered in Gaza, without exposing the manned aircraft to direct fire. This capability directly addresses the “line-of-sight” vulnerabilities that challenged older Apache models in recent conflicts.

Sources

Sources: The Jerusalem Post

This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin and additional financial data released January 29, 2026.

Lockheed Martin Reports Record $194 Billion Backlog Amid Strong Q4 2025 Results

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) released its Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 financial results today, reporting figures that surpassed Wall Street expectations on both revenue and earnings. The defense giant announced a record-breaking backlog of $194 billion, a surge attributed to unprecedented global demand and the verified performance of its platforms in recent geopolitical conflicts.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2025, the company reported net sales of $20.3 billion, a 9% increase over the same period in 2024. Net earnings for the quarter reached $1.3 billion, or $5.80 per share, significantly outpacing the consensus estimate of approximately $5.75. The company also issued strong guidance for 2026, projecting net sales between $77.5 billion and $80.0 billion.

Financial Performance Highlights

The company’s financial health showed robust improvement across key metrics, driven by broad-based growth in all four business segments. According to the official release, cash from operations in the fourth quarter tripled year-over-year to $3.2 billion.

Fourth Quarter 2025 vs. Q4 2024

• Net Sales: $20.3 billion (up from $18.6 billion).
• Net Earnings: $1.3 billion (up from $527 million).
• Earnings Per Share (EPS): $5.80 (up from $2.22).
• Free Cash Flow: $2.8 billion.

For the full year of 2025, Lockheed Martin achieved total net sales of $75.0 billion, a 6% increase year-over-year, with free cash flow settling at $6.9 billion. The Aeronautics segment, the company’s largest division, saw sales grow by 6%, delivering 191 F-35 jets in 2025 compared to 110 in the previous year.

Operational Drivers and Geopolitical Context

Management attributed the record backlog and sales growth to the “combat-proven performance” of its systems. Specifically, the company highlighted the role of its platforms in “Operation Absolute Resolve,” a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that took place earlier this month.

In a statement regarding the company’s operational impact, Lockheed Martin Chairman, President, and CEO Jim Taiclet noted the direct correlation between field performance and demand:

“2025 marked a year of unprecedented demand for Lockheed Martin capabilities… driven by combat-proven performance… demonstrated in 2026. During the U.S. military aircraft‘s recent Operation Absolute Resolve, F-35 and F-22 fighter jets… were decisive contributors.”

, Jim Taiclet, Chairman, President & CEO, Lockheed Martin

The Missiles and Fire Control segment emerged as the fastest-growing division, posting an 18% increase. This surge was driven by high demand for PAC-3 MSE interceptors and HIMARS systems, reflecting ongoing security needs in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Regulatory Headwinds and 2026 Outlook

While the financial results were positive, the company acknowledged the shifting regulatory landscape following the January 7, 2026, Executive Order titled “Prioritizing the Warfighter in Defense Contracting.” This order, signed by President Trump, introduces potential restrictions on dividends and stock buybacks for contractors deemed “underperforming” due to delays or cost overruns.

Despite this new layer of regulatory scrutiny, Lockheed Martin signaled confidence in its execution stability. The Board authorized an additional $2 billion for share repurchases, bringing the total authorization to approximately $9.1 billion, and raised the quarterly dividend by 5% to $3.45 per share.

Looking ahead, the company’s 2026 guidance anticipates continued growth:

• 2026 Net Sales: $77.5 billion – $80.0 billion.
• 2026 Diluted EPS: $29.35 – $30.25.
• 2026 Free Cash Flow: $6.5 billion – $6.8 billion.

AirPro News Analysis

Lockheed Martin’s latest report presents a dichotomy familiar to the current defense sector: record-breaking demand versus tightening government oversight. The $194 billion backlog provides a massive revenue safety net, yet the new Executive Order linking capital returns to operational performance introduces a “zero-defect” pressure on the factory floor.

While competitors like Northrop Grumman and RTX Corp face their own program-specific hurdles, Lockheed’s ability to meet F-35 delivery targets in 2025 places it in a favorable position relative to the new administration’s standards. However, with dividend payouts now theoretically revocable under the new EO if performance slips, we expect investors to scrutinize production schedules as closely as balance sheets in the coming quarters.

Sources

Sources: Lockheed Martin Official Press Release

Boeing Secures Contract for Four Additional MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopters

Boeing has received a contract modification from the U.S. Air Force to produce four additional MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters. Announced on January 29, 2026, this award marks the second production lot granted to the manufacturer in just five months, signaling a stabilization of the program following recent budgetary uncertainties.

According to the company’s official statement, the new order includes both the aircraft and related sustainment support. While the press release focuses on the production commitment, associated contract data indicates the deal is valued at approximately $89 million. This follows a larger $173 million award issued in October 2025 for eight aircraft.

The MH-139A Grey Wolf is a critical asset designed to replace the Vietnam-era UH-1N Huey fleet. Its primary mission is securing the United States’ land-based nuclear triad, specifically patrolling intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) fields across Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota.

Production and Fleet Status

With this latest order, the total number of MH-139A helicopters under contract has reached 38. Boeing reports that 21 of these aircraft have already been delivered to the Air Force, including Low-Rate Initial Production models. The program has recently accelerated its operational milestones, with the first operational mission conducted at Malmstrom Air Force Base earlier this month.

The production process leverages a commercial-off-the-shelf strategy to reduce costs and development time. The airframes are manufactured by Leonardo at its facility in northeast Philadelphia, while Boeing handles the installation of military equipment and final assembly at its plant in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania.

“The quick succession of contracts demonstrates that the U.S. Air Force is all in on bringing the MH-139A capability to the warfighter as quickly as possible.”

, Azeem Khan, MH-139 Program Director, Boeing

Technical Capabilities and Upgrades

The transition from the UH-1N Huey to the MH-139A represents a significant leap in capability for Air Force Global Strike Command. Based on the commercial Leonardo AW139, the Grey Wolf offers substantial performance improvements required for the vast distances involved in nuclear field security.

Performance Comparison

According to program specifications, the MH-139A provides:

• Speed: A 50% increase in cruising speed compared to the legacy platform, capable of reaching 167 knots.
• Range: A 50% increase in operational range, allowing for longer patrols without refueling.
• Capacity: A 30% larger cabin capable of carrying nine combat-equipped troops, along with a 5,000-pound increase in maximum gross weight.

The aircraft also features a modern digital glass cockpit and a four-axis autopilot system designed to reduce pilot workload during complex missions in adverse weather.

AirPro News Analysis: Program Stability Restored

This contract award is significant not just for the hardware it provides, but for what it represents regarding the program’s health. In early 2025, the MH-139A faced a precarious future when the Air Force proposed cutting the total fleet buy from 84 aircraft down to 42 due to fiscal constraints. This reduction triggered a Nunn-McCurdy cost breach, a statutory mechanism that forces a program review when unit costs rise too high.

However, subsequent acquisition reports and the Pentagon’s Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) indicated a reversal of this contraction. The Air Force has since moved to restore at least 14 aircraft to the projection, targeting a fleet size of at least 56 helicopters. The award of these four additional units, coming so soon after the October order for eight, serves as concrete evidence that the service is committed to rebuilding the fleet numbers necessary to fully replace the aging Huey inventory.

For the industrial base, the steady flow of contracts helps maintain the workforce in the Philadelphia region, where the program supports over 1,000 jobs across the supply chain.

Sources

• This article is based on an official press release from Boeing and additional program data from U.S. Air Force acquisition reports.