Korea opts out of Apache helicopters, betting on drones and AI

Korea has effectively abandoned its plan to acquire 36 additional Apache attack helicopters, shifting its defense priorities toward unmanned systems and advanced technologies in response to evolving trends in modern warfare. The second phase of Korea’s heavy attack helicopter acquisition program — which sought to purchase U.S.-made AH-64E Apache helicopters by 2028 at a projected cost of more than 3 trillion won, or $2.2 billion — was effectively scrapped after nearly all of its funding was eliminated in a supplementary budget approved Friday. Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the ruling People Power Party said 97 billion won of the 100 billion initially allocated was cut, with the remaining 3 billion reassigned. Yu welcomed the decision, citing the increasing vulnerability of helicopters to low-cost missile and drone attacks — a vulnerability highlighted by recent developments on the battlefield in Ukraine. “The reconsideration of Apache procurement is a positive step,” he said. “We need to invest in drones and other cutting-edge systems.” The Apache purchase was initially approved uWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times