Boeing has been awarded a multi-billion dollar contract for the supply of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army, the country’s Defense Acquisition Procurement Administration (DAPA) has announced.
Awarded amid escalating tensions with North Korea, the estimated KRW1.8trn ($1.6bn) foreign military sales (FMS) contract covers the delivery of 36 helicopters along with training and logistical support to enhance aerial firepower of the South Korean Army beginning in 2016.
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Speaking during a briefing, DAPA spokesman Baek Yoon-hyeong said: "The heavily armed attack helicopters will replace ageing helicopters deployed by the army to counter threats by North Korean military’s armoured units and deter provocations."
Selected against Bell Helicopter AH-1Z Cobra and the AgustaWestland-Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T-129B attack helicopters, the Apaches are expected to be primarily operated to counter enemy tanks or armoured vehicles during conflicts.
Originally scheduled to be announced in late-2012, the award comes as South Korea awaits Pentagon-approval for deployment of an additional attack-reconnaissance squadron, as the country prepares to take over wartime operational control from the US at the end of 2015, Yonhap News Agency reported.
Known as Guardian, the AH-64E is a heavily armed helicopter featuring powerful, fuel-efficient T700-GE-701D engines, enhanced rotor blade technology, and electronics, as well as improved aircraft handling, performance and agility at higher altitudes.
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By GlobalDataDesigned to replace the army’s existing AH-64D Longbow fleet, the helicopter also features joint tactical radio system, electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors to improve pilots’ situational awareness and an oversea capacity, enabling potential strikes on smaller ships.
The South Korean Army has long been operating an ageing fleet of Bell AH-1S Cobra helicopters for attack missions.
Deliveries under the contract are scheduled to be complete by 2018.
Image: The Republic of Korea Army is purchasing 36 AH-64E Apache helicopters. Photo: courtesy of Army Photo.
