The South Korean government has received U.S. approval over its plans to acquire 36 AH-64E Apache helicopters and related support services from Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
The AH-64E, Boeing’s latest iteration of the Apache, incorporates a network-centric, fully integrated weapon system and improved sensors, software and weapon performance.
According to a notification from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the potential $3.5 billion Foreign Military Sales deal also includes:
- T700-GE-701D engines,
- AN/ASQ-170 modernized target acquisition and designation sight/AN/AAR-11 modernized pilot night vision sensors,
- AN/APG-78 fire control radars with mast-mounted assembly,
- AN/APG-78 fire control radars with radar electronic units,
- AN/APR-48B modernized-radar frequency interferometers,
- AGM-114R2 (N) Hellfire missiles,
- M36E8 captive air training missiles,
- AGM-179A joint air-to-ground missiles, and
- AAR-57 common missile warning systems.
Boeing and Lockheed Martin will also deliver non-major defense equipment items, including improved data modems, common missile warning system software updates, and U.S. government engineering, technical and logistics support services.
Military analyst Kim Dae-young told The Korea Times that the new helicopters could replace the country’s Cobra fleet. “Given that North Korea has more tanks than South Korea and that the Apache Guardian is crucial for blocking their hovercraft in the event of an emergency, this purchase would strengthen South Korea’s military capabilities in that regard,” he said Tuesday.