South Korea’s plan to buy 36 AH-64 Apache helicopters likely dropped after budget cut

By Defence Industry Europe

U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter crews from the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, supported by Task Force Iron, took part in a live-fire exercise on 2 May 2025 in Latvia. The exercise involved close coordination with NATO Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) from Canada, Italy and Latvia.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rose Di Trolio.

South Korea’s proposed purchase of 36 additional AH-64 Apache attack helicopters is expected to be cancelled following a major budget reduction. The funding was cut from 10 billion won (US$7.3 million) to just 300 million won in the supplementary budget approved by the National Assembly on Friday.

 

The remaining amount will reportedly be redirected to another project, according to Rep. Yoo Yong-won of the main opposition People Power Party and the Ministry of National Defense. This comes after the Joint Chiefs of Staff decided in May to formally review the plan and consider alternative options, including manned-unmanned teaming systems.

 

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Rep. Yoo described the decision as a “positive development,” citing global defence trends. He noted that “the U.S. Army is also moving away from the aged, high-maintenance Apaches in favour of advanced drone assets like the Gray Eagle to modernize its forces.”

 

Source: Yonhap News Agency.

 

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