South Korea Canceling AH-64 Apache Order A Sign Of What’s To Come

South Korea’s country’s 36 AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters of the plans of the plans to cancel the plans. These aircraft would join the 36 AH-64s already supplied for the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Korean Times reports The financing was canceled after a complementary budget approved last Friday, almost reset for $ 2.2 billion. Outlet also drew attention to a 66% increase in the cost of the aircraft compared to the first row ten years ago. Talk that South Korea has been present for a while that it can cancel the following Apache order.

South Korea’s National Assembly Member Yu Yong-Weon belongs to the Power Power Party Korean Times The helicopters encourages the decision of the vulnerability of ammunition/drones exhibited to the world in Ukraine against multiplicated air defenses. Yu said: “Drones and smart systems redefine modern battlefields… Instead of sticking to expensive heritage platforms, we should invest in the abilities that reflect the future of war.”

Like Twz For years, he noted that Russia’s occupation of Ukraine long before, and the benefit of the attack helicopter should be questioned. This does not mean that it is irrelevant, but the logic behind the spilling of how many sources into this aircraft class means that we can guess for tomorrow, but it should be re -evaluated based on the prominent facts of today’s battlefield.

Survival is definitely at the top of the list. A low and slow flying helicopter can work closely to the goal to be useful in terms of a traditional direct attack without being under excessive risk? New tactics and combined weapons concepts can definitely come a long way, but it continues to be a very difficult and therefore more difficult to foresee.

The images of a Russian MI-24/35 attack helicopter are hit by the Ukrainian forces near Kiev this morning using Manpad (Human Portable Air Defense Systems). #Ukrainian pic.twitter.com/lb2nxbzvyh

– 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐏𝐢𝐱 (@combatpix1) 5 March 2022

Then he can transfer helicopters as opportunity targets or He started and chased them On demand. These weapons are also a growing and extremely dynamic threat.

Maintenance radar capabilities and the proliferation of advanced long -range air defense systems Creating great threats to attack helicopters. This applies especially because sensor loyalty and advanced network properties continue to expand with a series of opposite air missile technologies. . Exploitation of radar horizon and land masking It will be less effective in providing some protection from these threats every year.

New longer -range weapons, including missiles and air evacuated effects (ALES), the latter offers another survival pillow that can move for attack, trap and jam for air defenses, but only against some threats. Advanced situational awareness and electronic war systems can also help. It is enough to say that the increasing risks of attacking helicopters put their future in a darker place.

Then there is a range problem. The attack helicopters have a short -fame short range, especially when they are installed for war. In the age of modern anti-access capabilities, how does the attack attack helicopters? Take it in the start range It is also a major question mark, from its target areas, at least in many war scenarios, when they are there. The speed also buys survival to a degree that traditional helicopters do not have. These factors are enlarged, especially in the Pacific, which in part, directly direct the US army to further develop and supply the Tiltrotor V-280 valor on the compound helicopter helicopter Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 defiant. You can read everything about it Here.

When it comes to the Korean peninsula, the range of range is much less evident, but survival is probably more. If North Korea continues to receive technological aid from Russia to improve its rapidly expanding drone portfolio and air defenses, it will only become more pronounced. Therefore, it is not surprising that billions of dollars to be spent for additional Apaches are reorganized to other programs, especially drones and new capabilities. These will definitely be one -way attack ammunition, something South Korea is already adoptingThis will soon work without a cycle person and used to allow their basic AI abilities to choose their own goals. You can read everything about this approaching revolution in the war. For a fight in DMZ, there is no really more relevant weapon right now, maybe artillery.

In addition, although South Korea has a helicopter (MAH) of the sea attack helicopter (MAH) and less talented attack helicopters Mild attack helicopter (lah)It can increase the existing AH-64 force.

One last note here is that experts and media will often describe something completely irrelevant or relevant. This duo creates a good title of ‘black and white’ positioning, but it is not usually anywhere representing the nuanced reality we live in. AH-64 and other attack helicopters still have use and today is an important component of the combined weapon strategy, but it is logical to expand or even maintain the existing fleet size. A decreased force balanced against new capabilities can be a cautious solution and can be realized over time because it needs deep upgrades and revision of the current force. On the other hand, if the force is too small operationally It will be very costly to maintain its relevant and size. So here you need a balance.

And it is worth emphasizing this too Apache demand remains intactwith an ongoing interest abroad.

In any case, we will see similar changes in the revolving wing inventory of the US Army in the coming years, although not open. The service today has approximately 825 APACH. As force (currently, very slow) adapts to a new age of war, this number can change significantly.

In the future, we will explore this issue more deeply.

Contact the author: tyler@twz.com