In response to increasing regional tensions and the evolving threat from North Korea, South Korea plans to acquire 36 additional AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters from the U.S. This purchase underscores Seoul’s focus on modernizing its rotary-wing forces. The South Korean Army currently operates 36 AH-64Es—delivered in 2016–2017—and 55 AH-1F Cobras, which are aging and less capable by today’s standards. The AH-64Es serve as the cornerstone of South Korea’s attack helicopter fleet, offering superior targeting, advanced avionics, and networked combat effectiveness. As the AH-1F Cobras near obsolescence, the new Apaches will help form a unified and highly capable attack helicopter force, enhancing South Korea’s ability to respond decisively to emerging threats.
