Seoul Scraps Purchase of Additional AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters

The Korea Times said that the second phase of the procurement of the additional Apaches by 2028 for over 3 trillion won ($2.2 billion) has now been “effectively scrapped.” In its latest report, Chosun further stated that “with the latest round of cuts in the supplementary budget, the likelihood of the project being canceled has significantly increased.” Beside the high-cost implications, the rethink in South Korea was also driven by the vulnerability of attack helicopters in modern warfare, as seen in the high number of Russian Kamov Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters lost to Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) in Ukraine. This was reflected in U.S. and NATO allies like the U.K. preparing their Apaches for the land war against Russian armor in the European theater, and Russia’s Ka-52s also contributing to thwarting Ukraine’s counter-offensive in the summer of 2023.

Author: Parth Satam

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