Latest news with #AH-64Apache
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Game over for helicopters? South Korea just scrapped $2.2 billion US Apache choppers — reason will shock you
South Korea cancels AH-64 Apache deal — is this the beginning of the end for attack helicopters?- South Korea's decision to cancel its $2.2 billion plan to purchase 36 additional AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters has sparked intense debate about the future of traditional attack helicopters in modern warfare. The canceled order would have doubled the Republic of Korea's current fleet, which already includes 36 Apaches. Now, with changing battlefield dynamics, rising costs, and the growing threat of drones and advanced air defense systems, South Korea is shifting its focus — and its budget — toward unmanned systems and next-generation warfare. Why did South Korea cancel its $2.2B Apache helicopter order? The primary reason behind South Korea's decision lies in the dramatic cost increase and budget constraints. According to The Korea Times, the follow-up deal for 36 new AH-64Es faced a 66% rise in cost compared to the first batch purchased a decade ago. This steep hike, coupled with near-zero funding in a supplemental budget approved last Friday, effectively killed the deal. National Assembly member Yu Yong-weon of the People Power Party pointed out that modern air defense systems, drones, and loitering munitions — seen in real-time warfare like the Russia-Ukraine conflict — have exposed helicopters' growing vulnerabilities. 'Drones and smart systems are redefining modern battlefields,' he told The Korea Times . 'Rather than clinging to expensive legacy platforms, we must invest in capabilities that reflect the future of warfare.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Shooter Action MMO Crossout Play Now Undo Did Trump's 25% tariffs cause South Korea to cancel the Apache deal? Despite speculation, Trump's 25% tariffs were not the reason South Korea scrapped its $2.2 billion deal for 36 U.S.-made Apache AH‑64E helicopters. The real factors were far more immediate and strategic: Tariffs didn't apply to this deal Trump's new tariffs mainly target industrial imports like steel, cars, and electronics—not large military purchases. The U.S.–Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) already exempts most traded goods, especially defense equipment, from such duties. Live Events So why did South Korea back out? Skyrocketing costs : The per-unit price jumped nearly 66%, from around ₩44.1 billion to ₩73.3 billion (~US $52 million each). Budget slashed : South Korea's National Assembly cut funding for the Apache program from KR₩100 billion to just ₩300 million. Warfare lessons from Ukraine : Apache helicopters were found vulnerable to drones and portable missiles. Lawmakers now favor investing in unmanned drones, AI systems , and hybrid tech over traditional manned attack helicopters. What about Trump's tariffs? South Korea is currently in urgent trade talks with Washington to avoid the broader impact of the August 1 tariff rollout. But this defense cancellation happened independently, due to cost issues and shifting battlefield strategy, not tariffs. Are attack helicopters still relevant in modern warfare? The Apache is not obsolete, but the way it fits into today's battlespace is changing. Attack helicopters like the AH-64 fly low and slow, making them easier targets for MANPADS (man-portable air defense systems), mobile surface-to-air missiles, and anti-aircraft artillery — many of which are becoming increasingly widespread. In Ukraine, videos have shown multiple Russian helicopters, including the Mi-24/35 and Mi-28, being destroyed by low-cost drones and shoulder-fired missiles. These real-world losses make clear how dangerous modern airspace has become for traditional rotorcraft. Additionally, cheap loitering munitions, or 'kamikaze drones,' pose a significant threat. These weapons can hover, wait, and strike helicopters mid-flight. On May 22, 2025, footage shared by @Asia_Intel showed a helicopter struck by a First-Person View (FPV) drone — a tactic that's becoming more common. Can attack helicopters survive in high-threat zones anymore? Helicopters once relied on terrain masking and radar horizon limitations to stay safe. But with advanced look-down radars, networked sensors, and long-range counter-air missiles, even these survival tactics are losing effectiveness. New technologies like Air-Launched Effects (ALEs) — which can jam or distract enemy radar — and improved electronic warfare systems help, but they aren't enough to counter all the risks. In many modern combat zones, simply getting close enough to engage the enemy can be a death sentence for helicopters. The U.S. Army has already begun pivoting in response to these challenges. Instead of expanding traditional helicopter fleets, it's focusing on next-gen aircraft like the V-280 Valor, a tiltrotor aircraft offering greater speed and survivability than traditional helos. What does this mean for the future of the U.S. Apache fleet? The U.S. Army currently operates around 825 AH-64 Apaches, but that number may not hold steady. As warfare evolves, defense priorities are shifting toward drones, autonomous systems, and long-range precision weapons. The Apache fleet may be trimmed and rebalanced with newer tools better suited to contested environments. South Korea's decision could serve as a test case or even a preview of what's to come for other militaries, including the United States. As budgets tighten and technology advances, the high cost and high risk of traditional helicopters could prompt more countries to downsize their rotary-wing forces. What alternatives is South Korea turning to instead? Rather than expanding its Apache fleet, South Korea is redirecting funds toward unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and AI-driven weapons systems. These include one-way attack drones with autonomous targeting capabilities — tools that can strike without a human operator at the controls. South Korea already deploys some of these systems, and more advanced versions are under development. On the rotary side, South Korea still retains indigenous platforms like the Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH) and Light Attack Helicopter (LAH). Though less capable than the Apache, these can supplement existing fleets at lower cost and potentially lower risk. Overview of the AH-64 Apache Full Name : Boeing AH-64 Apache Role : Twin-engine attack helicopter Global Operators Country Fleet Size Notes United States ~800+ Largest operator; transitioning to AH-64E South Korea 36 AH-64E variant India 22 + 6 AH-64E for Air Force and Army UK 67 British Army (Apache AH1, upgrading to E) Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Netherlands, Egypt, Israel Various Cost and Contracts Unit Cost (AH-64E) : Initial Export: ~$31–35 million (2015–2020) 2025 Estimate (South Korea 2nd batch): ~$52 million per unit Lifetime Cost (incl. maintenance/training) : Can exceed $100 million per helicopter Is this the beginning of a broader military transformation? South Korea's Apache cancellation isn't just about money — it reflects a deeper shift in how modern wars will be fought. Drones, smart munitions, and networked battlefield awareness are rewriting the rules. The Apache still has a role to play, especially in combined arms warfare, but large, expensive fleets of traditional helicopters may be a thing of the past. FAQs: Q1: Why did South Korea cancel its Apache helicopter deal? Due to rising costs and increased risks from drones and modern air defenses. Q2: What will replace South Korea's canceled Apache order? South Korea plans to invest in drones, AI systems, and smart one-way attack weapons.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
South Korea plans to procure more Apache helicopters after budget cut
The South Korean government's plan to purchase 36 additional AH-64 Apache attack helicopters will likely be scrapped after a massive budget cut, a lawmaker noted Sunday. According to Rep. Yoo Yong-won of the main opposition People Power Party and the defence ministry, the budget for the project was cut from an initial 10 billion won (US$7.3 million) to just 300 million won in the supplementary budget passed by the National Assembly on Friday. The remaining funds will reportedly be used for another project. The move follows a May decision by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to formally review the procurement and explore alternative options, including manned-unmanned systems, according to Yoo. Calling the decision a "positive development," Yoo noted the U.S. Army is also moving away from the aged, high-maintenance Apaches in favour of advanced drone assets like the Grey Eagle to modernise its forces, reported Yonhap news agency. From the AH-64A in 1984 to today's AH-64E, one thing about the Apache hasn't changed: its reputation as the world's most advanced and proven attack helicopter. With more than 1,280 aircraft in operation, accumulating over five million flight hours, 1.3 million of which have been in combat, the AH-64 Apache represents the backbone of the U.S. Army's attack helicopter fleet and a growing number of international defence forces. With the AH-64E in production until at least 2028, the Apache will serve the US Army and its partner nations as the world's primary attack helicopter into the 2060s. As Boeing and the US Army continue to invest in next-generation technologies, the Apache brings affordable Modular Open Systems Architecture capability to serve as a centrepiece in the Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) battlefield for decades to come.
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
How UK's F-35 fighter jet, grounded in Kerala for 20 days, will be dismantled
The British F-35B jet has been grounded in Kerala since June 14, the day it made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) secures the Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet after its emergency landing, at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport(CISF - X) As efforts to repair the aircraft have not worked so far, the jet will reportedly be dismantled and taken aboard a special transport plane, like the C-17 Globemaster. However, transporting the fifth-generation stealth jet to the United Kingdom would not be a cakewalk. Why the challenge? The C-17 Globemaster is a large military transport aircraft used by the US, the United Kingdom, India and other countries. The aircraft has a cargo bay size big enough to carry multiple troops and can even carry AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. However, it would still be tricky to dismantle the F-35B jet and fit it into the C-17 Globemaster. According to an India Today Digital report, the F-35B jet will have to lose its wings in order to fit into the cargo plane. "The C-17's cargo hold is 26 metres long, but its width is just 4 metres, which means an F-35 cannot be loaded unless the wings are detached," the publication quoted a defence expert as saying. This is not the first time the cargo plane would be transporting a F-35 jet. In 2019, a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet was successfully airlifted from Eglin Air Force Base in Florida to Hill Air Force Base in Utah, according to the Eglin base website. Data breach risks The F-35B jet is worth over $110 million and is known to be one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. Hence, there are data breach risks attached with dismantling such a jet. According to an NDTV report, every screw on the jet will have to be secured with unique codes during the dismantling in order to reduce the risk of a theft of stealth technology. The dismantling can only be carried out by engineers certified by aerospace and defense contractor Lockheed Martin, the publication further said. The British military will closely oversee the dismantling to safeguard the stealth systems. A data breach in this case could expose sensitive combat capabilities. What next for the F-35 jet? The F-35B, which belongs to Britain's Royal Navy, made an emergency landing in Thiruvananthapuram on June 14, and is reportedly being guarded by a six-member team from the HMS Prince of Wales. Even with plans of dismantling, the jet would still need some repairs before it could be transported. For this purpose, a 40-member team of aviation engineers will arrive in Kerala on July 5.
Ya Biladi
15-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's airpower grows, but gaps remain in naval forces and defense industry
A recent study by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation and the Moroccan think tank Global Governance & Sovereignty Foundation analyzed the quality of weaponry acquired by Morocco. The report highlights that the «biggest rival is Morocco's immediate neighbor Algeria, which ranks third globally in military spending-to-GDP ratio behind only Ukraine and Israel». In response to this threat to its territorial integrity, the kingdom has adopted a «deliberate transition toward high-tech, interoperablesystems to ensure territorial integrity», notably acquiring AH-64 Apache helicopters, drones, artillery, and missile defense systems. Alongside facing an Algerian military budget expected to reach $23 billion by 2025, Rabat must also counter «separatist activities in the South, supported by external actors», which demands «surveillance and rapid-response capabilities tailored to the terrain». In April 2021, the Royal Armed Forces ordered 13 Bayraktar TB2 drones for around $70 million, later adding six more in a follow-up contract. These combat drones are «ideal for monitoring separatist movements and border threats». Towards a Sovereign Defense Industry The report notes that Morocco received «its first batch of Bayraktar Akinci drones, with reports indicating an order of an undisclosed number as part of an agreement signed in 2023». These purchases from international suppliers—including the US, Israel, Turkey, and China—are complemented by efforts to develop a domestic military industry. Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar, producer of the TB2 and Akinci drones, announced plans to open a maintenance and production facility in Morocco in early 2025. This followed the signing of a partnership on September 27, 2024, between the National Defense Administration and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to locally produce the WhAP 8x8 land combat vehicle. Recent acquisitions underscore Morocco's commitment to advanced capabilities, especially in artillery. The Israeli Atmos 2000, a 155mm howitzer with a range of up to 41 kilometers, offers rapid deployment and high mobility, making it well-suited for Morocco's desert terrain. This complements the 36 Caesar howitzers purchased from France in 2022. The report also highlights the Royal Armed Forces' «managing supplier diversity», stressing the importance of avoiding overreliance on a single partner to maintain resilience amid shifting global alliances that could threaten access to critical technologies. However, international partnerships alone aren't enough to build a sovereign defense industry. «Morocco still faces gaps in advanced manufacturing capabilities and skilled labor», the report warns. «Producing components locally for systems like Caesar artillery or Patriot PAC-3 requires precision engineering expertise, an area where Morocco is still developing capacity. To bridge these gaps, Morocco must invest in a broader vision of a sovereign defense industry, requiring specialized programs to train engineers and technicians and establish innovation hubs in industrial zones, aligning with its vision of industrial autonomy». Developing Morocco's Naval Capabilities These acquisitions enable Morocco «to play a central role in regional stability and international security cooperation, aligning with its long-term vision of leadership and sovereignty». Beyond cutting-edge weaponry, «Morocco's diplomatic neutrality enables it to facilitate dialogue between conflicting Sahel blocs». The kingdom also plays a «vital role in securing the maritime space, particularly with regard to transatlantic security and the Strait of Gibraltar», the report adds. Achieving this requires significant investment in naval capabilities. «Morocco must prioritize future investments in naval assets, such as acquiring multi-purpose frigates with anti-submarine and air defense capabilities, and develop a maritime strategy», the report emphasizes. Since the early years of King Mohammed VI's reign, Morocco has positioned itself as a key player in securing maritime traffic through the Strait of Gibraltar—evidenced by the Tangier-Med port, the inauguration of the Tangier Maritime Traffic Surveillance Center in December 2011, and the construction of the Ksar Sghir naval base. In the coming months, the Royal Navy will be further strengthened with the delivery of a new patrol vessel ordered from Spanish shipbuilder Navantia. Addressing Gaps in Cybersecurity The report also calls on Morocco to bolster «its naval capabilities and developing expertise in hybrid warfare, particularly in cyber operations, to fill gaps in its defense architecture and counter emerging challenges. Cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, necessitates a robust cyber army. Morocco could establish a dedicated cyber command, leveraging its capabilities with a growing technology sector, to train specialists in cyber operations».
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First Post
14-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Washington on high alert: What residents and visitors need to know about parade-day security
As Washington showcases military strength and presidential pomp, a sharply divided nation watches on—some in celebration, many in protest. With security stretched across the capital and tension in the air, the day stands as a potent symbol of America's current crossroads. read more Members of the US Army gather next to an US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter on display on the National Mall during the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025. Image- AFP Washington D.C. is under a tight security blanket this Saturday as President Donald Trump prepares to preside over a massive military parade marking his 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the US Army. The high-profile event comes amid rising political tensions, forecasts of severe weather and nationwide protests rejecting what critics call Trump's authoritarian tendencies. The city is bracing for possible disruptions—not only from expected thunderstorms but also from the volatile geopolitical backdrop, including ongoing US military involvement in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. Trump has called it a 'big day for America' on his social media platform, Truth Social. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Security operation scaled up In what is considered one of the largest security deployments in recent years, thousands of law enforcement officers from across the country have been called in to secure the event. The Secret Service has mobilised land, air and water units to oversee all aspects of the day. Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the Secret Service's Washington Field Office, told ABC News that planning began on April 23. 'We've been working diligently, around the clock, to get this plan ready,' he said, noting that events of this scale typically take six months to a year of preparation. Parade details: Military might on full display The rare military spectacle, unprecedented since the 1991 Gulf War victory parade, will see nearly 7,000 troops, 150 military vehicles including 28 M1 Abrams tanks, and more than 50 helicopters participate. Apache gunships and Black Hawks are among the aircraft expected to fly over the city. The route will take parade units past iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, ending near the White House. Soldiers in period uniforms will represent every era of US military history. The day will conclude with a dramatic parachute drop by the US Army's Golden Knights, who will present Trump with an American flag in honour of Flag Day. Weather warnings loom However, the parade faces a different kind of threat—thunderstorms forecast for the day. The US Army said Friday that it is monitoring the weather closely, but 'at this point nothing has changed.' Trump, undeterred, wrote on Truth Social: 'Our great military parade is on, rain or shine. Remember, a rainy-day parade brings good luck. I'll see you all in DC.' Nationwide backlash: 'No Kings' protests gain momentum As Trump celebrates with military fanfare in the capital, millions are expected to rally in over 1,500 cities across the country under the banner of the 'No Kings' movement. Organisers describe the demonstrations as a rejection of 'authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarisation of our democracy.' Though no formal rally is scheduled in Washington itself, intentionally to avoid clashes and to focus attention on local protests, mass mobilisations are expected in cities including New York, Houston, Philadelphia, Seattle, Atlanta and Trump's residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Even Paris has seen a small demonstration. In Los Angeles, where tensions are already high following federal immigration raids and the deployment of troops without state consent, 25,000 protesters are expected. Organisers say massive balloons depicting Trump in a diaper and dressed in Russian military garb will take centre stage. Divided opinions and political fallout Critics have condemned the taxpayer-funded event as a vanity project. California Governor Gavin Newsom called it a 'vulgar display of weakness,' likening the celebration to the military parades seen in North Korea. 'To fete the Dear Leader on his birthday? What an embarrassment,' he said on Thursday. 'No Kings' organisers echoed that sentiment, calling the parade 'a self-aggrandising spectacle' staged while Americans are told there's no money for basic public needs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A new NBC News poll released Saturday found that 64% of Americans oppose using government funds for the military parade.
