Defence

U.S. Reaffirms $3.5 Billion Sale of Apache Helicopters to South Korea

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to the $3.5 billion sale of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to South Korea.

However, recent reports indicate that the South Korean military is reevaluating its plans to acquire an additional 36 helicopters. Concerns over the vulnerability of helicopters in modern warfare, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, have prompted this reassessment.

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According to the local daily Chosun, military sources reveal that the South Korean Ministry of National Defense, the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA), and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) are conducting a comprehensive review of the Apache acquisition plan. South Korea had previously purchased 36 AH-64E Apaches in 2013, completing that order in early 2017.

The current review will consider the possibility of reducing the number of helicopters to be acquired, with some Army officials expressing doubts about needing all 36 units. “There is already a sentiment within the Army that it may not acquire all 36 units due to these concerns,” noted one source. As part of this evaluation, the Ministry of National Defense and associated agencies are reassessing the necessity of the planned acquisition, which could lead to a reduction in the order or even a cancellation.

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Critics have argued that the Republic of Korea Army should prioritize more advanced, unmanned systems instead of relying heavily on traditional manned helicopters.

Also KAI plans to invest approximately KRW 8 trillion ($5.9 billion) by 2040 in its High-Speed eXperimental Utility Helicopter (XUH or HSXUH) project.atak-2 apache karşılaştırma This initiative is designed to fulfill South Korea’s military requirements by providing a 5,000-lb. class high-speed helicopter that can effectively meet modern operational needs.

Defence

Indian Air Force Considers Anti-Drone Technology for Apache and LCH

India’s military aviation sector is making significant strides with its impressive fleet of helicopters, notably the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, which recently achieved a milestone by conducting its first-ever day-and-night firing of 20 mm turret guns and 70 mm rockets.

Now, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively exploring the development of anti-drone capabilities leveraging its fleet of attack helicopters, including the Boeing AH-64 Apache and the indigenously developed LCH.

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This initiative is a direct response to the increasing threat posed by armed drones and remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs), which have transformed modern warfare. Recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated how these advanced aerial systems can bypass traditional anti-aircraft defenses and surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems.

As future conflicts are likely to see widespread use of armed drones, the urgent need for innovative countermeasures against these threats has become clear.

Israel, a close defense partner of India, has been actively utilizing counter-drone operations with its AH-64 attack helicopters for some time.

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Notably, on October 1st, the U.S. Army’s Central Command reported that one of its AH-64 helicopters successfully engaged an unmanned aerial system (UAS) using an upgraded AGM-114 Hellfire missile during the Red Sands training exercise in Saudi Arabia. This successful operation marks a significant advancement in the development of effective counter-drone weapon systems.

The IAF, which already operates AH-64 attack helicopters equipped with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, compare atak 2 vs apache recognizes the necessity of developing a secondary counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability within its helicopter fleet. The LCH, known for its heavy armament and high maneuverability, is already in service and can be customized to fulfill the Air Force’s anti-drone requirements.

Being an indigenous product developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the LCH can be quickly and cost-effectively equipped with new sensors and weaponry to serve in an anti-drone defense role. This adaptability, supported by India’s growing defense industry ecosystem, positions the IAF well to meet emerging aerial threats.