South Korea To Cancel AH-64 Apache Helicopter Order Following Finances Cuts

South Korea is reportedly trying to scrap its order for a further 36 Boeing AH-64E Apache assault helicopters following latest funds cuts. The transfer comes because the East Asian nation opinions the position of crewed helicopters in trendy warfare. The funds beforehand allotted to the Apache helicopters will doubtless be invested in different defence initiatives.

The overview comes almost a yr after the US accredited the sale of as much as 36 helicopters to South Korea, in a deal value about $3.5 billion. Nonetheless, earlier this yr, South Korea started reviewing its supposed buy after the US State Division reportedly set the value larger than anticipated. In the meantime, Boeing executives defended the Apache’s capabilities.

Much less Funding For The Further Orders

In response to opposition lawmaker Yoo Yong Received of the Individuals Energy Celebration, the Nationwide Meeting’s lately handed supplementary funds reduce funding for the venture from 10 billion received ($7.3 million) to 300 million received ($217,880). The remaining funds might be channeled in direction of different protection initiatives.

As reported by Protection Mirror, the event comes after a Might 2025 determination by South Korea’s joint Chiefs of Workers to formally overview the order and contemplate alternate options, together with manned-unmanned teaming methods and drone-based platforms. South Korea’s Ministry of Protection is anxious concerning the rising value and operational effectivity of including to the nation’s Apache fleet.

Officers famous that shifting battlefield dynamics, significantly classes discovered from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have raised questions concerning the position of assault helicopters. Yoo Yong-won known as the order overview a “constructive improvement,” highlighting the US Military’s shift away from Apaches in favor of unmanned methods just like the MQ-1C Grey Eagle.

Potential To Double The Apache Fleet

The brand new deal was initially introduced by South Korea’s Protection Acquisition Administration in 2021, with 3.2 trillion received ($2.3 billion) allotted in direction of buying the helicopters. The acquisition would construct on the nation’s first Apache buy, accomplished in 2017. The preliminary $1.6 billion deal included 36 AH-64Es, Hellfire missiles, Stinger MANPADS, crew coaching, and help methods.

In August 2024, the US State Division accredited the sale of 36 further helicopters to South Korea. The East Asian nation would even have 76 GE T700 engines (two put in in every helicopter), plus 4 spares. Every helicopter would additionally get its personal AN/ASQ-170 Modernized Goal Acquisition and Designation Sight. The deal would have introduced South Korea’s Apache fleet to 72 plane, changing getting older AH-1S Cobras in Military service.

The nation’s present AH-64Es are geared up with Longbow radars, digital fireplace management, and methods for integration with unmanned platforms just like the RQ-7 Shadow. The helicopters are additionally fitted with missile warning and countermeasure methods for operations in contested airspace.

Defending The Function Of Crewed Helicopters

In February, the Korea Herald reported that South Korea had determined to overview its buy after the US State Division set the value larger than anticipated in 2024. South Korea cited the excessive value and shifting battlefield dynamics, which have left assault helicopters susceptible to drones and transportable missile methods. Boeing acknowledged the rising prominence of drones in trendy warfare however highlighted that uncrewed aerial autos can’t totally change crewed plane.

Boeing Vice President of Assault Helicopters Christina Upah stated that the Apache is essentially the most highly effective assault reconnaissance helicopter in existence, “with top-tier efficiency and reliability.” She added that the plane will stay important in future battlefields, not simply in right now’s environments. In response to Boeing, there are over 1,280 AH-64 Apache plane in operation. The helicopter might be in manufacturing till not less than 2028 and is anticipated to serve the US Military and companion nations into the 2060s.

The producer stated that the “excessive value” was as a result of further provisions, together with coaching, weapons methods, and help packages, beneath the US authorities’s International Navy Gross sales program. Regardless of the order overview, Boeing will proceed cooperating with Boeing. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) reportedly signed a contract to supply fuselages for the AH-64E.