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Key Points

South Korea has abandoned plans to buy 36 Apache helicopters after severe budget cuts reduced funding from 10 billion to just 300 million won. The decision follows a military review exploring alternatives like drone systems, mirroring the US Army's shift from Apaches to Grey Eagles. Despite being the world's premier attack helicopter with 1.3 million combat hours, Apaches face replacement by next-gen tech. Boeing continues Apache production through 2028, ensuring its role in multi-domain warfare for decades.

Key Points: South Korea Scraps Apache Helicopter Buy After Budget Slashed

  • Budget slashed from 10B to 300M won for Apache procurement
  • JCS reviewing manned-unmanned alternatives
  • US phasing out Apaches for drone systems
  • Apache remains global attack helicopter leader with 1.3M combat hours
2 min read

South Korea plans to procure more Apache helicopters after budget cut

Seoul cancels 36 Apache helicopter procurement due to massive budget cuts, shifting focus to drone alternatives amid US military modernization trends.

"The US Army is moving away from aged Apaches for advanced drones like Grey Eagle - Rep. Yoo Yong-won"

Seoul, July 6

The South Korean government's plan to purchase 36 additional AH-64 Apache attack helicopters will likely be scrapped after a massive budget cut, a lawmaker noted Sunday.

According to Rep. Yoo Yong-won of the main opposition People Power Party and the defence ministry, the budget for the project was cut from an initial 10 billion won (US$7.3 million) to just 300 million won in the supplementary budget passed by the National Assembly on Friday.

The remaining funds will reportedly be used for another project.

The move follows a May decision by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to formally review the procurement and explore alternative options, including manned-unmanned systems, according to Yoo.

Calling the decision a "positive development," Yoo noted the U.S. Army is also moving away from the aged, high-maintenance Apaches in favour of advanced drone assets like the Grey Eagle to modernise its forces, reported Yonhap news agency.

From the AH-64A in 1984 to today’s AH-64E, one thing about the Apache hasn’t changed: its reputation as the world’s most advanced and proven attack helicopter.

With more than 1,280 aircraft in operation, accumulating over five million flight hours, 1.3 million of which have been in combat, the AH-64 Apache represents the backbone of the U.S. Army’s attack helicopter fleet and a growing number of international defence forces.

With the AH-64E in production until at least 2028, the Apache will serve the US Army and its partner nations as the world’s primary attack helicopter into the 2060s.

As Boeing and the US Army continue to invest in next-generation technologies, the Apache brings affordable Modular Open Systems Architecture capability to serve as a centrepiece in the Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) battlefield for decades to come.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
But Apaches are still the best attack helicopters in the world no? We just bought some for our forces last year. Maybe South Korea is making a mistake here 🤔
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Aditya G
Budget cuts are always tricky. Hope they're not compromising security. With China's growing influence in Asia, all countries need to maintain strong defense capabilities.
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Sarah B
The shift to drone technology makes sense. Maintenance costs for Apaches are astronomical. India should also explore more cost-effective solutions for our mountainous borders.
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Karthik V
While drones are the future, we shouldn't completely abandon proven systems like Apaches. A balanced approach is needed - both have their place in modern warfare.
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Nisha Z
The article mentions Apache will serve till 2060s! That's incredible longevity for any military equipment. Maybe we should learn from their upgrade strategies for our own defense systems.

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