South Korea reconsiders Apache purchase amid Ukraine lessons
The South Korean authorities are seriously considering cancelling the purchase of American AH-64E Apache helicopters. The decision is reportedly influenced by insights from the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian portal Defence Express, citing South Korean sources, "Seoul has started an extensive assessment of the feasibility of acquiring Apache attack helicopters." This pertains to 36 AH-64E Apache units, which South Korea (ranked the 5th strongest army in the world according to 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 approval 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 evaluating the conflict in Ukraine, Seoul may change its decision almost at the eleventh hour. 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) stems from the lessons learned in Ukraine. It has been noted that Russian helicopters' vulnerability to attacks using MANPADS (man-portable air defence systems) and the aerial supremacy of drones are significant factors.
As the United States has also noted, MANPADS are relatively inexpensive, mobile, and effective in Ukraine. As part of Western support, various sets of this type have reached the front, enabling 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 called "tank killers" due to their role in 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 299 km/h. The latest model of this American helicopter has been in serial production since 2012.
