Flash News: US Greenlights Hellfire Missile Sale to Israel Despite President Trump’s Freeze on Foreign Arms Deals.

On February 7, 2025, the U.S. State Department confirmed a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Israel for 3,000 AGM-114 Hellfire Air-to-Ground Missiles, valued at an estimated $660 million. This approval came despite U.S. President Donald Trump's order to temporarily halt foreign military sales for a review of U.S. foreign policy.
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An AGM-114 Hellfire missile launches from a U.S. AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, showcasing its precision strike capability against armored and high-value targets. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the proposed sale on the same day. The sale includes various variants of the Hellfire missile family, such as R3, F, F/A, K1, K1A, K2, K3, K3A, KA, N, N3, and R, along with crucial support and integration services, spare parts, training, and technical assistance.

The AGM-114 Hellfire missile is a highly versatile, precision-guided air-to-ground weapon primarily designed for targeting and neutralizing armored vehicles, fortified structures, and personnel. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the Hellfire missile family is known for its accuracy, lethality, and adaptability. It uses laser guidance (AGM-114L) or millimeter-wave radar guidance (AGM-114R) for precise targeting, making it effective in both day and night operations, even in challenging weather conditions. With a range of up to 8 kilometers, the missile features a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead capable of penetrating heavily armored targets. It can be launched from multiple platforms, including AH-64 Apache helicopters, MQ-1 Predator drones, and various fixed-wing aircraft, offering flexibility for various mission profiles.

The primary roles of the AGM-114 Hellfire missile include anti-armor operations, close air support, precision strikes against hardened structures, and counter-terrorism missions. Its high precision allows it to neutralize high-value, hard-to-reach targets such as armored vehicles, command centers, radar sites, and other strategic infrastructure. The missile’s adaptability across air, ground, and unmanned platforms makes it a critical asset for modern military forces, offering a reliable solution for tackling a wide range of threats, from conventional armored formations to more elusive targets.

The proposed sale will significantly enhance Israel's capability to address both current and emerging threats, strengthening the Israeli Air Force's (IAF) ability to defend its borders, protect critical infrastructure, and safeguard its population centers. This sale also supports Israel’s broader efforts to modernize its armed forces and improve interoperability with U.S. military forces. The integration of Hellfire missiles will provide Israel with a highly effective tool for neutralizing a variety of threats, further deepening defense cooperation between the U.S. and Israel.

American Defense Company Lockheed Martin, based in Troy, Alabama, will be the principal contractor for this sale. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2028. In addition to the missiles, the sale will include technical support, personnel training, integration and test support, spare parts, and other logistical support to facilitate the smooth integration of the Hellfire missiles into Israel's military operations. While offset agreements have not yet been finalized, they may be negotiated between Israel and Lockheed Martin during the deal's final stages. The sale is not expected to require a significant increase in U.S. personnel in Israel, aside from Technical Assistance Field Team visits during training.

Despite the broader pause on foreign military aid ordered by President Trump to review foreign aid distribution, this sale underscores the U.S.'s continued commitment to Israel’s security. The Hellfire missile systems will play a crucial role in helping Israel maintain its military edge in the region, enabling it to face an increasingly complex security environment. This development further solidifies the strong military ties between the U.S. and Israel, signaling continued American support for Israel's defense modernization.

The proposed sale of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles represents a critical step in enhancing Israel's defense capabilities. The integration of these advanced munitions will significantly improve Israel’s ability to conduct precision strikes, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Israel even amidst changing U.S. foreign policy.