South Korea’s military is reviewing its plans to purchase an additional 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States amid growing concerns over the vulnerability of helicopters in modern warfare.
The Republic of Korea Army already operates 36 AH-64E Apaches, which were ordered in 2013 and delivered between 2016 and 2017. It is in the process of phasing out its Bell AH-1S Cobra helicopters, inducted in 1976.
In late August 2024, the US State Department gave its preliminary approval for a Foreign Military Sale of AH-64E Apache helicopters to South Korea, potentially doubling the size of the country’s fleet.
However, the deal, valued at 4.7 trillion won (approximately $3.5 billion), is now under scrutiny, according to a military source cited by the local daily Chosun. This concern relates to lessons learned during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where drones and portable missiles have often outmaneuvered helicopters.
The Ministry of National Defense, the Republic of Korea Army, and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) are reportedly reassessing the necessity of the planned acquisition. This includes reducing the number of helicopters or canceling the purchase altogether.
Critics argue that the Republic of Korea Army should focus on more advanced, unmanned systems.
“In today’s era of unmanned attack drones, it’s time for our military to reconsider such large-scale helicopter purchases based on an outdated operational strategy,” said lawmaker Yoo Yong-won, a member of the People’s Power.
On October 2, 2024, DAPA ordered approximately 200 WARMATE 3 loitering munitions, commonly referred to as ‘kamikaze drones’, in both combat and training versions from the Polish manufacturer WB Group. The WARMATE system is one of several one-way attack drones that have been used in Ukraine.