The South Korean army will expand the strike capabilities of its aircraft. April 1 portal janes.com The South Korean Defense Procurement Program Administration (DAPA) has revealed details of the upcoming purchase of 36 foreign-made attack helicopters.
The purchase will be carried out as part of the second phase of the Large Attack Helicopter Project. During the first phase, the South Korean army received 36 AH-64E Apache vehicles for $1.6 billion. The new helicopters are designed to replace the aging Bell AH-1S.
AH-64E Apache Helicopters of South Korea
Image source: janes.com
The DAPA indicates that the new attack helicopters will be selected during the tender. It can be assumed with a high degree of confidence that the preference will again be given to the American Apache. According to preliminary data, the purchase amount will be $2.8 billion. The higher costs for the second batch in the Korean Defense Ministry explain " inflation and the need to add some equipment and facilities."
The McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache attack helicopter was adopted by the US Army in 1984 and underwent its first baptism of fire during the American invasion of Panama in December 1989. The AH-64 is the most common attack helicopter in the world.
The armament of the AH-64 Apache helicopter consists of a remote-controlled 30 mm M230 automatic gun, as well as guided and unguided missiles. The helicopter is protected by kevlar armor and polyacrylate armor plates, and therefore has a high survivability. The machine is able to continue flying even after being hit by a 12.7 mm bullet or a 23 mm high-explosive shell; all its key systems are duplicated. The crew consists of two pilots, each of whom can independently control the helicopter and its weapons.
