South Korea rethinks $3.5B apache helicopter deal amid war insights
The South Korean authorities are seriously considering canceling the purchase of American AH-64E Apache helicopters. Insights from the ongoing war in Ukraine reportedly influence this decision.
7:01 AM EDT, October 28, 2024
According to the Ukrainian portal Defence Express, citing South Korean sources, "Seoul has initiated a comprehensive review of the feasibility of purchasing Apache attack helicopters." This concerns 36 AH-64E Apache units, which South Korea (ranked as the 5th strongest army in the world according to the Global Firepower 2024 rankings) agreed to purchase from the United States in August of this year.
Will South Korea cancel the AH-64E Apache purchase?
The agreement, which has already received the green light from the U.S. State Department, was supposed to be valued at $3.5 billion and include helicopters, armaments, spare parts, and logistical support.
However, after examining the war in Ukraine, Seoul may change its mind at the last minute. South Korean sources indicate that the potential cancellation of the American helicopter purchase (and a reduction in the role of such machines in the South Korean army) stems from lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. Russian helicopters' vulnerability to attacks using MANPADS (man-portable air-defense systems) and the aerial dominance of drones are significant factors.
MANPADS are relatively inexpensive, mobile, and effective in Ukraine, as previously noted by the United States. As part of Western support, several sets of this type have reached the front, allowing targets to be eliminated at a distance of several miles. For example, the Polish PPZR Piorun (the entire set weighs just over 35 pounds) has a range and target engagement altitude of up to 4 and 2.5 miles, respectively.
AH-64E Apache in service with the South Korean army
The South Korean army already has AH-64E Apache helicopters in service. Deliveries of the 36 units purchased in 2013 were completed in 2017.
It is worth noting that these are among the world's most highly regarded machines. Due to their formidable capabilities, AH-64E Apaches are sometimes called "tank killers," thanks to successful operations during Desert Storm, among other things.
Standard equipment includes a 30 mm M230 cannon. They can also carry Hellfire anti-tank missiles, Hydra unguided rockets, APKWS guided variants, and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. The AH-64E Apache also features a heavily armored cockpit and can accelerate to about 186 mph. The latest model of this American helicopter has been in serial production since 2012.
