(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The U.S. State Department has announced its approval of the sale of up to 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to South Korea, a deal estimated to be worth $3.5 billion (RM15.30 billion).
South Korea will also acquire up to 76 GE T700 engines, which will be used to power the helicopters (each helicopter will be equipped with two engines) along with four additional engines for reserve.
Each attack helicopter will also be equipped with the AN/ASQ-170 Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight.
This latest acquisition, conducted under the government-to-government Foreign Military Sales program, will bring the total number of Apache attack helicopters in the South Korean military to 72.
Previously, the South Korean military acquired 36 AH-64E Apache helicopters in 2013, all developed by Boeing.
Currently, South Korea operates two battalions of AH-64E attack helicopters.
In addition, South Korea will procure hundreds of missiles to equip these attack helicopters, including 456 Hellfire missiles, Captive training missiles, and 152 Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles.
“The proposed sale (of the Apache helicopters) will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the security of a key ally, which is a vital force for political and economic stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” stated the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), an agency under the U.S. State Department.
The statement also highlighted that the proposed sale would enhance South Korea’s ability to respond to current and future threats.
However, despite the announcement, the sale still requires approval from the U.S. Congress before it can be finalized.
The AH-64E Apache attack helicopter is the latest variant, equipped with advanced communication, navigation, sensor, and weaponry systems, including the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation system, which provides data in all weather conditions, day or night.
The Fire Control Radar system has also been upgraded for maritime operations.
With the addition of the AH-64E Apache helicopters, the South Korean military is expected to retire its aging fleet of Bell AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters.
The additional Apache helicopters are aimed at enhancing South Korea’s military capability to counter armored threats from North Korea. South Korea is also reported to have upgraded its 2013 Apache fleet to the latest “v6” version.
Furthermore, Boeing, the developer of the Apache attack helicopters, has reportedly offered to assemble the helicopters in South Korea. — DSA