Approved South Korean Apache FMS could double ROKA’s AH-64E fleet

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to South Korea of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related elements of logistics and programme support, the US Defense Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA) stated on 19 August 2024.

The proposed sale, which is worth an estimated USD 3.5 billion (EUR 3.14 billion), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval. The Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) already operates 36 AH-64Es, so this FMS, once confirmed, could double the ROKA’s AH-64E fleet.

South Korea has requested to buy up to 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters; up to 76 T700-GE-701D engines (72 installed, four spares); up to 36 AN/ASQ-170 Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/AN/AAR-11 Modernized Pilot Night Vision Sensors (M-TADS/PNVS); up to 14 AN/APG-78 fire control radars (FCRs) with mast-mounted assemblies; up to 14 AN/APG-78 FCRs with radar electronic units (REU); up to 14 AN/APR-48B modernized-radar frequency interferometers (MRFI); up to 40 AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) (36 installed, 4 spares); and various other avionics systems.

The weaponry in the package includes: up to 456 AGM-114R2 (N) Hellfire missiles; up to six M36E8 captive air training missiles; up to 152 AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles; M230E-1 30 mm automatic guns; M139 AWS 20 mm automatic guns; M261 rocket launchers; M299 missile launchers; 2.75-inch rockets; and 30 mm rounds.

Various aspects of engineering, technical, logistics and programme support are also included.

“The proposed sale will improve the Republic of Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force capable of deterring adversaries and participating in regional operations,” the DSCA stated.

The principal contractors for the sale will be Boeing, out of its facilities in Mesa, Arizona, and Lockheed Martin, out of its facilities in Orlando, Florida.