Connect with us

Defence

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

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.

Did you know ? Once Boeing 747 carried 1088 passenger in 1991

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.

Russia Seeks Foreign Carriers to Boost Domestic Air Travel

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Defence

Russia Seeks Talks with India, Offers Tu-160 Bombers at Unbeatable Prices

Russia Seeks Talks with India, Offers Tu-160 Bombers at Unbeatable Prices

Russia is keen to deepen its defense ties with India by offering advanced strategic bombers that could significantly enhance India’s aerial capabilities. Recently, Russia has also agreed to supply critical metallurgical inputs to support the overhaul and modernization of India’s Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet fleet.

According to the report, Russia has once again extended an offer to India for its strategic heavy bombers, including the Tu-22M3 and the modernized Tu-160, also known as the “White Swan.” The Tu-22M3 was previously proposed to the Indian Navy nearly two decades ago, but the deal did not materialize due to high leasing and modernization costs.

Now, Russia’s new offer includes the Tu-160M, a modernized variant of the original Tu-160, which could significantly enhance India’s long-range strike capabilities.

The Tu-160M, also known as the “White Swan,” is a heavyweight strategic bomber with an impressive range of 12,000 km without refueling. Developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau during the 1970s in the Soviet Union, it remains the world’s largest and heaviest combat aircraft, capable of supersonic speeds.

Its unique variable-sweep wings allow it to adapt to various speeds and missions, making it the fastest bomber in active service. The Tu-160M is equipped with advanced NK-32-02 engines, known for their reduced maintenance requirements, superior performance, and long operational life.It priced at 15 billion roubles ($163 million) each.

India has traditionally focused on multirole fighter jets rather than heavy bombers, and currently, it does not have a single strategic bomber in its fleet. The inclusion of the Tu-160M could give the Indian Air Force the capability to conduct powerful deterrence missions and long-range strikes across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Advertisement

If the Tu-160M deal is realized, it could mark a significant enhancement in India’s strategic air power and strengthen defense ties between India and Russia, fostering a deeper partnership in the realm of advanced military technology.

Continue Reading

Trending