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Time of India
a day 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.
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First Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Apache helicopters: India charts its own course amid Korean retreat
While South Korea's National Assembly effectively cancelled its $2.2 billion plan to acquire 36 additional AH-64E Apache helicopters — citing budgetary concerns and vulnerabilities highlighted by the Ukraine conflict, India is moving in the opposite direction. The Indian Army is set to receive its first set of AH-64Es this July, with three of six ordered helicopters expected imminently and the rest arriving by year's end. South Korea's decision was guided by shifting military doctrines and fiscal restraint. Lawmaker Yu Yong-weon of the People Power Party, speaking to The Korea Times, emphasised the growing obsolescence of manned rotary platforms in modern warfare due to their exposure to low-cost missile and drone threats, as seen in Ukraine. However, while Seoul steps away from legacy systems, India appears to be doubling down though not in contradiction, but in complementary alignment with emerging military thinking. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indian perspective Indian military planners have consistently maintained that the country's security dynamics differ significantly from those of East Asia. Positioned between two nuclear-armed adversaries and facing active border challenges, India requires battlefield tools capable of immediate response, tactical flexibility and high survivability. This context supports the Apache's relevance. Unlike South Korea, which is moving towards unmanned systems following the US Army's cancellation of its next-generation helicopter programme as cited in The Korea Times, India is pursuing a two-pronged modernisation strategy: investing in unmanned systems while also reinforcing manned attack capabilities. As News18 points out, these Apache helicopters will be deployed along the India-Pakistan border — an area where rapid-response capability and precision air support are critical to deterrence and readiness. Apache: Proven, adaptable and future-ready According to information published by Boeing, the AH-64E Apache remains the world's most dominant and operationally proven attack helicopter. Its survivability, strike precision and modular adaptability allow it to integrate with next-generation technologies. Manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), operational on the Apache for more than a decade, enables pilots to command autonomous systems in real-time, extending reach and battlefield awareness. This hybrid model aligns well with India's evolving military doctrine, which does not treat unmanned systems as a replacement for manned platforms, but rather as force multipliers. In this context, the Apache functions not as an outdated legacy asset, but as a 'quarterback' on the battlefield — coordinating drone inputs, executing precision strikes and adapting to real-time tactical changes, as described in Boeing's defence briefings. Lessons from Ukraine and beyond While Korea's defence leaders cite the vulnerability of helicopters in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India views the same conflict with a nuanced lens. Different theatres require different tools. The Apache's battlefield utility was recently demonstrated in US-Saudi drills, where it was used to neutralise drones using Hellfire missiles expanding its mission set to include counter-UAS (unmanned aerial system) roles. Further, the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Systems Office (JCO) in the US recently conducted successful drone swarm countermeasures using Apache-linked systems. As reported by Boeing, the US Army's adoption of a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) enables the rapid integration of emerging technologies—like launched effects (LEs) and drone defence modules — directly onto existing Apache airframes. This means that India's investment is not just in a platform, but in a future-proof ecosystem of capabilities that will evolve with the battlefield. Cost-efficiency in Indian context South Korea's programme faced resistance also due to the sharply increased cost of AH-64Es — 66 per cent higher than previous contracts, per The Korea Times. But India's deal, signed in 2020 for approximately $600 million for six helicopters, was secured before this inflation spike. The Indian Air Force already operates 22 Apache helicopters, acquired via a 2015 deal, with full operational readiness achieved in close air support roles. By extending this platform to the army, a move that allows for independent operations and inter-service synergy, India is leveraging existing logistical infrastructure and pilot training pipelines, reducing the long-term cost burden. This integration provides a strategic depth that unmanned systems alone cannot offer. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A calculated divergence India's decision to proceed with Apache induction, even as Seoul pivots to drones, is not a rejection of modernisation. Rather, it is a tailored response to its own strategic imperatives. As Boeing noted, drones alone cannot replicate the full spectrum of Apache capabilities, especially in high-intensity, unpredictable conflicts. India's operational needs emphasise a blend of human adaptability with automated reach and reconnaissance. Indeed, as Boeing demonstrated through its upcoming plans to integrate 'launched effects' and drone command capabilities directly into Apache cockpits, the aircraft is being repositioned not just as a weapon, but as a command-and-control platform in multi-domain operations. India's Apache bet is future-focussed South Korea's decision to drop its Apache acquisition highlights the fluidity of global defence priorities. Yet India's move to induct its fleet at this moment represents more than just continuity, it signals strategic foresight. The Indian Army's Apache helicopters, arriving now, are not legacy holdovers but forward, compatible tools ready for hybrid warfare. As the world experiments with unmanned platforms, India is not resisting the tide but steering carefully within it — leveraging proven systems, maximising interoperability, and preparing for the hybrid battles of tomorrow. In this context, the Apache is less a symbol of the past and more a key to the future.
9 News
01-06-2025
- Politics
- 9 News
Mystery 'balloons' swarm stricken North Korean warship
New satellite images show North Korea has deployed what appear to be balloons alongside its damaged 5000-ton warship that has been laying on its side and partially submerged since a botched launch last week. While the purpose of the objects is unclear, experts told CNN they could be used to help get the ship back upright, or protect it from the prying eyes of drones. The stricken destroyer was the country's newest warship and was meant to be a triumph of North Korea's ambitious naval modernisation effort. A satellite image shows what appear to be white balloons floating above the stranded North Korean warship that was damaged after a failed launch. (Maxar Technologies via CNN Newsource) Instead, a malfunction in the launch mechanism on May 21 caused the stern to slide prematurely into the water, crushing parts of the hull and leaving the bow stranded on the shipway, state media KCNA reported, in a rare admission of bad news. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who witnessed the failed launch in the north-eastern city of Chongjin, called it a "criminal act" and ordered the country to swiftly repair the as-yet-unnamed ship before the late-June plenary session of the ruling Workers' Party, calling it a matter of national honour. Officials have since scrambled to undo the damage and punish those they claim are responsible, detaining four people in recent days, including the shipyard's chief engineer. READ MORE: Multiple dead after bridge collapse derails train in Russia The warship was previously covered with a tarp. (AP) Analysts say it appears balloons are being used in North Korea's effort to swiftly repair the destroyer. "It looks like what appear to be balloons have been installed not to refloat the ship, but to prevent the ship from further flooding," said Representative Yu Yong-weon, a South Korean National Assembly lawmaker and military analyst. Retired United States Navy Captain Carl Schuster said if the objects are indeed balloons, they could have one of two purposes – either to prevent "low- to mid-level drone reconnaissance," or to reduce the stress on the part of the ship still stranded on the pier. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared the action criminal. (KCNA/Reuters/File via CNN Newsource) "That is the area that is most likely to have been damaged, suffered the most severe damage and remains under intense stress while the forward area remains out of the water," he said. Nick Childs, senior fellow for naval forces and maritime security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said North Korea could be in danger of further damaging the ship if it's using balloons to keep it afloat or raise it. "It is highly likely that the ship is under quite a lot of stress anyway," and lifting from above could compound those stresses, he said. North Korea has been trying to modernise its navy. (Maxar Technologies via CNN Newsource) Normal procedure would be to get as much buoyancy as possible in the ship and then raise it from below, Childs said. According to satellite images shared by Maxar Technologies, more than a dozen white, balloon-like objects have been deployed around the destroyer since May 23. Based on the objects' shape and what appear to be tail fins, they could be smaller versions of what are known as aerostat aircraft, balloons with a slight resemblance to dirigibles, defense experts told CNN . Like blimps, dirigibles get buoyancy from a lifting gas that allows them to float in air or in water. The staggering sums countries spend on defending themselves View Gallery The images don't appear to show any flotation bladders supporting the hull or the body of the ship, Schuster said – something the US might use in such a situation. He added that North Korea's maritime industry might not be advanced enough for such techniques. North Korean state media had previously reported that the damage was less severe than initially feared, and that there were no holes in the hull, though it was scratched along the side and some seawater had entered the stern. It estimated repairs could take about 10 days – though analysts are skeptical. Schuster had previously told CNN that repair work could take up to six months, depending on how far the hull damage extends, how much water entered the warship, and how much "salt crust" might have formed on metal surfaces such as joints. The ship's precarious position also makes the salvage operation unusually complex. "Having it half in and half out of the water is basically the worst possible situation," said Decker Eveleth, an associate research analyst at CNA, a nonprofit specialising in defense research. He added that the operation would be simpler if the ship had fully capsized into the water, or if it had fallen over entirely on land. "But as it's half on land and half on water – if you try to pull the sunken half out, you're risking twisting and breaking the keel," Eveleth said, referring to the structural spine running along the ship's bottom. "And if you do that, the whole ship is junk." Childs said North Korea may have to cut the ship into pieces and then try to salvage what it can because righting it from its current position is an extremely complex task. "Very often the only way you clear the dock … is to dismantle at least part of the ship to make the operation easier, right what you have left and tow it away and make a decision on whether you rebuild it or scrap it," he said.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Mysterious white balloons seen near North Korea's 5,000 ton sunken warship, what are they?
North Korean destroyer after it suffered a failed launch (Image credit: AP) North Korea might be using balloon-like structures around its most advanced and largest naval vessel, after last week's failed launch left 5,000-ton warship partially submerged. Satellite images from Maxar Technologies reveal over a dozen white, balloon-like objects have been deployed around the wreckage since 23 May. Experts are divided over the purpose of the balloons. Some believe they're being used to prevent further flooding or protect the vessel from surveillance. 'It looks like what appear to be balloons have been installed not to refloat the ship, but to prevent the ship from further flooding,' said South Korean lawmaker and military analyst Representative Yu Yong-weon. Retired US Navy Captain Carl Schuster suggested the balloons could serve dual purposes, either shielding the vessel from drone reconnaissance or relieving pressure on the hull where the destroyer is lodged awkwardly on the slipway. 'That is the area that is most likely to have been damaged, suffered the most severe damage and remains under intense stress while the forward area remains out of the water,' he said. Naval expert Nick Childs from the International Institute for Strategic Studies warned that using balloons to lift the ship could risk making the situation worse. 'It is highly likely that the ship is under quite a lot of stress anyway,' Childs said, adding that normal approach would be to create buoyancy below and then lift gradually. Despite North Korean media downplaying the extent of the damage, analysts remain sceptical. KCNA previously claimed the hull remained intact and estimated repairs would take just 10 days. But Schuster noted that the effort could stretch to six months depending on internal damage, seawater ingress, and corrosion. The ship's position—partly on land and partly submerged, further complicates the salvage operation. 'Having it half in and half out of the water is basically the worst possible situation,' said Decker Eveleth, a defence researcher with CNA. 'If you try to pull the sunken half out, you're risking twisting and breaking the keel. And if you do that, the whole ship is junk.' Experts say North Korea may ultimately need to dismantle parts of the destroyer to remove it safely. 'Very often the only way you clear the dock … is to dismantle at least part of the ship to make the operation easier, right what you have left and tow it away and make a decision on whether you rebuild it or scrap it.' The 5,000-ton destroyer was meant to be a symbol of North Korea's ambitious naval modernisation. However, a malfunction during its launch at a shipyard in the northeastern city of Chongjin caused the stern to slide prematurely into the water, damaging the hull and leaving the bow stranded on land. In a rare admission of failure, state media KCNA reported the mishap, quoting leader Kim Jong Un who called it a 'criminal act' and demanded urgent repairs before a late-June party meeting, describing the mission as a matter of national honour, as per CNN. Since the incident, four individuals including the shipyard's chief engineer have reportedly been detained.
Egypt Independent
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
North Korea deploys mystery balloon-like objects to stricken warship, satellite photos show
Seoul, South Korea CNN — New satellite images show that North Korea has deployed what appear to be balloons alongside its damaged 5,000-ton warship that has been laying on its side and partially submerged since a botched launch last week. While the purpose of the objects is unclear, experts told CNN they could be used to help get the ship back upright, or protect it from the prying eyes of drones. The stricken destroyer was the country's newest warship and was meant to be a triumph of North Korea's ambitious naval modernization effort. Instead, a malfunction in the launch mechanism on May 21 caused the stern to slide prematurely into the water, crushing parts of the hull and leaving the bow stranded on the shipway, state media KCNA reported, in a rare admission of bad news. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who witnessed the failed launch in the northeastern city of Chongjin, called it a 'criminal act' and ordered the country to swiftly repair the as-yet-unnamed ship before the late-June plenary session of the ruling Workers' Party, calling it a matter of national honor. Officials have since scrambled to undo the damage and punish those they claim are responsible, detaining four people in recent days, including the shipyard's chief engineer. Analysts say it appears balloons are being used in North Korea's effort to swiftly repair the destroyer. 'It looks like what appear to be balloons have been installed not to refloat the ship, but to prevent the ship from further flooding,' said Rep. Yu Yong-weon, a South Korean National Assembly lawmaker and military analyst. Retired United States Navy Cpt. Carl Schuster said if the objects are indeed balloons, they could have one of two purposes – either to prevent 'low- to mid-level drone reconnaissance,' or to reduce the stress on the part of the ship still stranded on the pier. 'That is the area that is most likely to have been damaged, suffered the most severe damage and remains under intense stress while the forward area remains out of the water,' he said. Nick Childs, senior fellow for naval forces and maritime security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said North Korea could be in danger of further damaging the ship if it's using balloons to keep it afloat or raise it. 'It is highly likely that the ship is under quite a lot of stress anyway,' and lifting from above could compound those stresses, he said. Normal procedure would be to get as much buoyancy as possible in the ship and then raise it from below, Childs said. According to satellite images shared by Maxar Technologies, more than a dozen white, balloon-like objects have been deployed around the destroyer since May 23. Based on the objects' shape and what appear to be tail fins, they could be smaller versions of what are known as aerostat aircraft, balloons with a slight resemblance to dirigibles, defense experts told CNN. Like blimps, dirigibles get buoyancy from a lifting gas that allows them to float in air or in water. The images don't appear to show any flotation bladders supporting the hull or the body of the ship, Schuster said – something the US might use in such a situation. He added that North Korea's maritime industry might not be advanced enough for such techniques. North Korean state media had previously reported that the damage was less severe than initially feared, and that there were no holes in the hull, though it was scratched along the side and some seawater had entered the stern. It estimated repairs could take about 10 days – though analysts are skeptical. Schuster had previously told CNN that repair work could take up to six months, depending on how far the hull damage extends, how much water entered the warship, and how much 'salt crust' might have formed on metal surfaces such as joints. The ship's precarious position also makes the salvage operation unusually complex. 'Having it half in and half out of the water is basically the worst possible situation,' said Decker Eveleth, an associate research analyst at CNA, a nonprofit specializing in defense research. He added that the operation would be simpler if the ship had fully capsized into the water, or if it had fallen over entirely on land. 'But as it's half on land and half on water – if you try to pull the sunken half out, you're risking twisting and breaking the keel,' Eveleth said, referring to the structural spine running along the ship's bottom. 'And if you do that, the whole ship is junk.' Childs said North Korea may have to cut the ship into pieces and then try to salvage what it can because righting it from its current position is an extremely complex task. 'Very often the only way you clear the dock … is to dismantle at least part of the ship to make the operation easier, right what you have left and tow it away and make a decision on whether you rebuild it or scrap it,' he said.
