Exclusive: South Korea plans to acquire 36 more U.S. AH-64E Apache attack helicopters amid rising tensions.

According to information published by the South Korean Yonhap News Agency on July 6, 2025, South Korea plans to purchase 36 additional AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters from the United States. The new acquisition reflects Seoul’s commitment to expanding its advanced rotary-wing combat capabilities amid evolving regional security challenges and growing concerns over North Korea's military posture.
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A South Korean Army AH-64E Apache Guardian on the ground, as the country already operates 36 units and plans to acquire 36 more to expand its attack helicopter fleet. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The South Korean Army currently operates a mix of dedicated attack helicopters, including 36 AH-64E Apache Guardians and 55 AH-1F Cobra helicopters. The AH-64E Apaches, delivered between 2016 and 2017, represent the most modern and capable rotary-wing attack assets in South Korea’s arsenal, equipped with advanced targeting systems, long-range precision munitions, and improved battlefield connectivity. In contrast, the AH-1F Cobras, which date back several decades, are aging platforms with limited survivability and outdated avionics by current standards. Despite their obsolescence, the Cobras continue to serve in frontline roles until they are fully replaced. South Korea’s plan to acquire 36 additional Apache helicopters reflects a strategic effort to create a unified, high-performance attack helicopter force capable of responding to evolving regional threats with increased lethality and effectiveness.

The AH-64E Apache Guardian is the most advanced production model in the Apache series, optimized for high-intensity operations in complex and contested environments. It incorporates a powerful T700-GE-701D engine and composite main rotor blades, offering enhanced speed, lift capacity, and maneuverability. The airframe has also been reinforced for better survivability, while the fire control system includes the AN/APG-78 Longbow radar, which provides superior target detection and engagement in all-weather and obscured battlefield conditions. This radar capability allows the AH-64E to locate and prioritize targets beyond visual range, giving it a decisive edge in fast-moving engagements.

The AH-64E also features advanced avionics and networked communication systems, enabling full interoperability with other aircraft, drones, and ground units. These systems support real-time data sharing and cooperative targeting, significantly enhancing the helicopter's role in modern joint operations. With updated mission software, digital cockpit displays, and satellite communications, the AH-64E can operate more effectively in dynamic combat scenarios. This combination of firepower, survivability, and connectivity makes it a vital component of South Korea's strategy to maintain air dominance and battlefield effectiveness in the face of evolving regional threats.

This strategic procurement is part of a broader modernization initiative within the South Korean military, aimed at responding effectively to North Korea’s evolving threats and expanding regional security challenges. The acquisition reflects South Korea’s continued reliance on proven U.S. defense technology to reinforce its military posture while preparing for future battlefield scenarios involving high-intensity conflict and joint operations.

While specific delivery schedules and contract terms are yet to be fully disclosed, the deal has already been cleared under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. Once finalized, the helicopters will be integrated into the Republic of Korea Army’s aviation command structure, significantly enhancing its combat helicopter capability for years to come.

The continued investment in advanced attack helicopters like the AH-64E Apache Guardian underscores South Korea’s strategic priority to maintain a robust and technologically superior defense posture in the face of persistent threats from North Korea. Given the North’s heavily fortified artillery positions, armored units, and asymmetric warfare capabilities, possessing a fleet of highly mobile, precision-strike attack helicopters allows the Republic of Korea Army to conduct rapid counteroffensive operations, neutralize high-value targets, and provide close air support to ground forces under combat conditions. The AH-64E's sensor fusion, network connectivity, and lethal firepower provide a decisive tactical advantage in potential cross-border engagements, enhancing deterrence and ensuring the ROKA remains fully prepared to respond to any escalation on the Korean Peninsula.