South Korea rethinks apache deal amid drone warfare lessons
The South Korean authorities are seriously considering cancelling the purchase of American AH-64E Apache helicopters. This decision is reportedly influenced by conclusions from the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian portal Defence Express, referencing South Korean sources, reports that Seoul has started an extensive assessment of the feasibility of acquiring Apache attack helicopters. This involves 36 AH-64E Apache helicopters, which South Korea—ranked as the fifth strongest military by Global Firepower in 2024—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 approval from the U.S. State Department, was valued at $3.5 billion and included helicopters, armaments, spare parts, and logistical support.
However, after examining the war in Ukraine, Seoul may reconsider almost at the last minute. South Korean sources suggest that the reason for potentially cancelling the purchase of American helicopters (and generally reducing the role of such machines in the South Korean army) lies in the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. Russian helicopters are vulnerable to attacks using MANPADS (man-portable air-defence systems) and the aerial dominance of drones.
As previously noted by the United States, MANPADS are relatively inexpensive, mobile, and effective in Ukraine. As part of Western support, several different sets of this type have reached the front, allowing targets to be eliminated at a distance of several kilometres.
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.
Due to their formidable capabilities, AH-64E Apaches are sometimes referred to as "tank killers" (this is a result of successful operations during Desert Storm, among other things).
Standard equipment includes a 30 mm M230 cannon but 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 armoured cockpit and can accelerate to about 300 km/h. The latest model of this American helicopter has been in serial production since 2012.
