South Korea considers cancellation of second AH-64E Apache helicopter purchase
South Korean already operate 36 AH-64E Apache helicopters. (Photo: US Air Force / Sgt. Cody Nelson)
The likely scrapping of Boeing’s Apache helicopter comes after a huge budget cut approved by the South Korean National Assembly. The helicopter procurement had already been reconsidered by the country’s Joint Chiefs of Staff earlier in the year.
South Korea is considering scrapping its 36 AH-64E Apache helicopter buy, after a major cut in defence budget and shift in the country’s defence priorities towards uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
The National Assembly approved the cuts which saw budget for the programme reduced from KRW10 billion (US$7.3 million) to KRW300 million.
The plans originally sought to acquire 36 helicopters by 2028 at a cost of KRW 3.3 trillion (US$2.49 billion) – the second phase in the country’s attack helicopter acquisition programme. The country already operates 36 AH-64E Apache helicopters, which finished delivery in 2017.
The AH-64 rotorcraft were chosen to
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production]()
Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production
By combining established manufacturing capacity with startup aircraft design, the partnership could offer an alternative approach to scaling military uncrewed aircraft production.
-
![European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans]()
European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans
Poland is seeking to update its transport helicopters as part of a wider military aviation modernisation programme, with EU funding requirements and NATO interoperability key considerations.
-
![Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships]()
Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships
Poland’s growing investment in UAVs highlights how recurring procurement contracts and continuous technological development can provide suppliers with sustained opportunities beyond initial acquisitions.
-
![October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age]()
October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age
Israel’s $1 billion Apache helicopter order highlights the continued demand for crewed attack aviation, while growing integration with uncrewed systems could shape future modernisation and procurement decisions.
