South Korea gets US approval to acquire 36 AH-64E Apache helicopters
The US State Department approved on August 19 the possible sale of 36 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to the Republic of Korea (South Korea).
The approval comes days after the United States government granted a similar approval to Poland for the acquisition of 96 of these rotary wing aircraft, under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
The approved package has an estimated cost of $3.5 billion and also includes 76 T700-GE-701D engines, several sensors and weapons such as 456 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.
“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. Korea will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces,” the State Department said.
The prime contractors will be Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
The Republic of Korea Army already operates 36 AH-64E Apache helicopters, among a fleet that also includes AH-1, MD-500, CH-47, and Surion KUH-1 models.
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