Latest news with #Apaches
Time of India
4 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.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
India to get 1st batch of 3 US Apaches this month
NEW DELHI: The Army this month will finally get three of the six long-delayed Apache attack helicopters, dubbed "tanks in the air", under the Rs 5,691 crore deal inked with the US in February 2020. The first three Boeing-manufactured Apache gunships will be delivered around July 15, with the next three coming by Nov. US secretary of defence Pete Hegseth had assured defence minister Rajnath Singh , during a telephonic conversation Tuesday, that the six heavy-duty choppers will be delivered within this year, as was reported by TOI. The six Apache helicopters for the Army will add to 22 such choppers inducted by IAF under the Rs 13,952 crore deal with the US in Sept 2015. One of those choppers was badly damaged after a hard landing near Khardung La in Ladakh on April 4 last year. The Army had raised the Apache squadron at Jodhpur along the western front with Pakistan in March last year but there have been multiple delays in delivery of the choppers due to supply chain problems. The Apaches are armed with Stinger air-to-air missiles, Hellfire Longbow air-to-ground missiles, guns and rockets.
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First Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- First Post
India to finally get Apache combat helicopters this month: What makes them a game-changer?
India is set to receive the first batch of AH-64E Apache helicopters for the Army after a 15-month delay. These advanced multi-role choppers will bolster India's defence posture along the western border. Equipped with cutting-edge weaponry and radar, the Apaches will provide close air support and anti-tank capabilities in sensitive combat zones read more A Greek Apache helicopter flies as Nato holds training exercise 'Immediate Response' drills with host nations at Krivolak army base, North Macedonia, June 2, 2025. File Image/Reuters India is set to take delivery of its first AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Army this month, reinforcing its defence capabilities, particularly along the western frontier. The delivery — long delayed by supply chain disruptions and technical issues — is the result of a government-to-government foreign military sales agreement signed with the United States in 2020. The $600 million deal will see the Indian Army receive six state-of-the-art multi-role combat helicopters in two batches. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to Defence Ministry officials, the first batch of three helicopters is now expected to arrive by mid-July, with the second batch following in November. This handover follows a phone conversation on July 1 between India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, where both sides reviewed ongoing defence cooperation. The Army's 451 Aviation Squadron, based at Nagtalao in Jodhpur, was raised in March 2024 specifically for operating these Apache helicopters. However, due to a delivery delay of more than 15 months, the squadron has been without its primary aircraft since its inception. The helicopters were initially expected between May and June 2024 but were later rescheduled for December. Now, with deliveries beginning shortly, operational deployment is finally within reach. Why India needed the new Apaches These Apaches are expected to significantly enhance the Army's capability along the Line of Control and the International Border with Pakistan, where tensions and troop presence have risen in recent years, including under the ambit of Operation Sindoor. Their deployment is designed to provide rapid-response attack power and direct air support to ground units operating in sensitive terrain, including desert and semi-arid zones. The Army views the AH-64E Apaches as central to strengthening its aviation corps' strike capability. India's acquisition is intended to complement the 22 Apache helicopters already operated by the Indian Air Force under a separate agreement signed in 2015. Unlike the Air Force's use of Apaches in broader combat missions, the Army's units are tailored for tactical battlefield roles such as close air support and anti-armour strikes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What we know about the Apache AH-64E The AH-64E Apache, also known as the Apache Guardian, is the latest and most advanced version of the renowned Apache helicopter lineage. Globally recognised as one of the most capable multi-role combat helicopters, it forms the backbone of the US Army's attack aviation fleet and is in use by a growing number of international forces. As of today, over 1,280 Apache helicopters are in active service worldwide, having collectively logged more than five million flight hours. Of these, more than 1.3 million hours were recorded in combat operations, establishing the platform's credibility in real-world scenarios. The AH-64E variant, which will be in production until at least 2028, is engineered to remain operational until the 2060s. With its Version 6 (v6) upgrade, the AH-64E brings improved sensors, software, avionics, and weapons systems. The Apache is built around the concept of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), integrating seamlessly into a connected battlefield environment. Its Modular Open Systems Architecture allows it to adapt to new technologies and battlefield requirements. Boeing, the manufacturer of the Apache, has focused on the aircraft's agility, reach, and resilience. The platform supports a wide range of roles, from anti-tank warfare and close air support to reconnaissance and suppression of enemy air defences. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What the Apache Guardian brings to the battlefield The Apache Guardian is equipped with some of the most sophisticated firepower and avionics in modern rotary-wing aviation. The aircraft carries a 30mm M230 Chain Gun, capable of firing up to 625 armour-penetrating rounds per minute. In addition, it can be fitted with up to 16 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and air-to-air Stinger missiles for both ground and aerial threats. It also supports up to 76 70mm unguided or laser-guided rockets for area suppression. One of its key technological strengths is the AN/APG-78 Longbow fire-control radar (FCR), mounted on a dome above the rotor. This advanced radar system enables the Apache to detect targets behind obstacles such as terrain and structures. The radar can simultaneously track 128 targets and engage 16 of them in under 30 seconds. According to Boeing, the modernised Apache builds on the mature, combat-proven AH-64 platform. Graphic via Boeing The aircraft also features the Modernised Target Acquisition and Designation System (MTADS), allowing pilots and gunners to carry out precision targeting using day/night sights and laser designators. The pilot night vision sensor offers helmet-mounted infrared vision, which is crucial for night operations or in low-light conditions. Another major asset is its ability to integrate with unmanned aerial systems. The Apache can control drones such as the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, providing extended surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It can receive and transmit real-time battlefield imagery, aiding in both tactical planning and rapid engagement. Designed for survivability, the Apache Guardian features crashworthy external fuel tanks, in-flight refuelling capability, and redundant systems to maintain performance in combat situations. An auxiliary internal fuel tank can be used in place of ammunition for extended-range missions, a critical feature in India's vast terrain, especially in desert regions. The helicopter's digital cockpit, advanced communication systems, and tactical internet integration make it a highly connected and interoperable platform suitable for modern joint-force operations. Why this move lends a hand in India's defence production ambitions India's Apache acquisition programme is also tied to its broader objective of promoting domestic defence manufacturing. Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), a joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems, delivered the first fuselage for the Apache helicopter in January 2023 from its facility in Hyderabad. This contribution supports the Indian government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and reflects an ongoing effort to build indigenous capability in high-end defence platforms. While the current delivery includes six helicopters, the Indian Army has expressed interest in acquiring an additional 18 Apaches in the future. These plans are still under evaluation and subject to further approvals. The helicopters are being acquired under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, which facilitates direct government-to-government procurement of American military platforms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In addition to the airframes, the package includes training, munitions, spare parts, electro-optical systems, radar equipment, certification and long-term logistical support. Some estimates suggest that the total deal value, including add-ons, could range between ₹4,100 crore and ₹6,700 crore (approximately $600 million to $930 million). Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Apache Chopper: After IAF, now Indian Army to get world's most advanced helicopter this month, to be deployed at Pak border
The Indian Army's wait for its new combat edge might soon be over. After Operation Sindoor , the Army has kept focus tight on boosting strength along the western border. But the first Apache squadron raised in Jodhpur in March 2024 has stood ready with no helicopters to fly. The US-built AH-64E Apaches, bought under a $600 million deal signed in 2020, were due to arrive last year. Instead, deadlines slipped. More than once. Missed schedules, fresh arrival dates According to the deal, India would get six Apaches in two lots of three. The first batch should have landed by May or June 2024. When supply chains jammed, the timeline was pushed to December 2024. Technical issues in the US added more months to the pause. Now, signs of movement. Defence Ministry sources told The Indian Express the first three helicopters could finally touch down within weeks. The second batch should follow later this year. 'Once the choppers are delivered, a joint receipt inspection will be carried out in India by the representatives of the original equipment manufacturer and the Army,' sources said. Live Events Minister steps in for faster handovers This renewed hope did not appear on its own. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently phoned US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth to ask for a push on delivery schedules. Singh also flagged India's urgent need for the GE F404 engines that will power the homegrown LCA Tejas fighter jets. He described the phone call as an 'excellent discussion' on taking the India-US defence partnership forward. Key role on the Western front India plans to base all six Apaches at Jodhpur for quick deployment along the western border. Their purpose is clear: sharpen India's response capability in the wake of Operation Sindoor, launched last year against terror camps inside Pakistan. The Apache AH-64E is known for agility and firepower. Its advanced sensors and weapons mean it can hunt targets with precision and stay flexible in tough border terrain. The Indian Air Force already flies 22 Apaches ordered under a separate contract signed back in 2015. The Army's fleet will plug gaps on the ground combat side, covering frontline units that need close air support. Other birds in the sky Apaches are not alone. The Army Aviation Corps flies a full spread of machines. The Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv covers transport, rescue and recon. The Dhruv fleet was briefly grounded after an ICG variant crashed in January this year. With approvals back in place, Dhruvs now fly missions again, especially after the Pahalgam attack. The Rudra, a Dhruv with teeth, carries weapons for anti-tank and close air support roles. Cheetah and Chetak helicopters run lighter lifts—casualty evacuation, surveillance, and logistics supply in tough areas. India's home-grown Light Combat Helicopter Prachand is designed for high altitudes. In March this year, the Ministry of Defence signed two contracts worth ₹62,700 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for 156 new Prachands—66 for the Air Force and 90 for the Army. Eyes in the sky and heavy lifters The fixed-wing Dornier 228 plays its part for light transport and comms. Meanwhile, drones like the Heron and Searcher handle surveillance. The Heron stays up longer at medium altitudes; the Searcher sweeps tactical zones closer to ground troops. Then there's the Mi-17—India's workhorse. It lifts troops and supplies and carries out emergency evacuations. Together, these assets keep the Army's western front mission-ready in almost any terrain. The new Apaches will not replace these platforms. They will add to them. Once the six choppers reach Jodhpur, the Army's first Apache squadron—idle since last March—will finally lift off. Operation Sindoor may have ended, but the push to secure India's western skies continues. Now, the Army hopes the wait for its sharpest new blades will really end this month. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
News18
02-07-2025
- Business
- News18
India To Receive Apache Choppers, Deployment Near Pakistan Border Likely
Last Updated: The AH-64E Apache helicopters, sourced from the United States under a $600 million agreement signed in 2020, were originally slated for delivery by May-June 2024. The long wait for the arrival of Apache attack helicopters may finally be over as the Indian Army intensifies efforts to strengthen combat capabilities along the western front after Operation Sindoor. Notably, the development comes after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had a phone conversation with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, during which the two leaders had an 'excellent discussion" reviewing ongoing efforts to strengthen the India-US defence partnership. The delivery of these advanced helicopters—delayed by more than 15 months—is now expected to commence soon, with deployment aimed at reinforcing western border defences. In March 2024, the Army Aviation Corps established its first Apache squadron in Jodhpur. However, nearly a year and a half later, the unit remains without the helicopters, which were initially scheduled to arrive much earlier. The AH-64E Apache helicopters, sourced from the United States under a $600 million agreement signed in 2020, were originally slated for delivery by May-June 2024. The timeline was later pushed to December 2024 due to disruptions in the supply chain. Sources familiar with the updated schedule told India Today that the Indian Army's Aviation Corps may receive the first batch of these helicopters later this month. According to the initial plan, six Apaches were to be delivered in two batches of three. The first group was expected between May and June 2024, but as of now, none have reached Indian soil, leaving the newly raised squadron awaiting its core assets. Defence Ministry officials attribute the delay to technical issues on the part of the United States. While the first three helicopters are expected within weeks, the remaining three are anticipated to arrive by the end of the year. These helicopters are integral to operations on the western front, offering superior manoeuvrability, precision weaponry, and advanced targeting technology. The Army considers them a key addition to its operational strength. The Indian Air Force has already received 22 Apache helicopters under a separate contract inked in 2015. In contrast, the Army is still awaiting its consignment to enhance its strike capabilities. The Army Aviation Corps provides crucial support to ground forces, and the Apache helicopters are seen as key to strengthening operations—particularly along the western border, where troop presence has grown recently under Operation Sindoor.
