According to several Korean news sources and this English-language site, Korea may be looking to buy some American helicopter gunships.
In particular, it’s looking to get its hands on some Apache Longbows:
Further, the DSCA notified Congress September 21 of a possible FMS to the Government of Korea for 36 AH-64D APACHE Longbow Block III Attack Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $3.6 billion.
The Koreans are looking to use the Apaches to fuck shit up “more effectively secure its borders and littoral waters, as well as conduct counter-terrorism/counter-piracy operations.”
According to Yonhap, the Koreans may not actually buy any of the gunships—the Korean military plans to choose either the Viper, the Apache or the Turkish T-129.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Vipers? I believe the AH-1Z is called the Zulu.
Vipers would be F-16s and I think Korea is getting those upgraded by BAE Systems.
Its called Viper on Wiki?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_AH-1Z_Viper
It’s also called “Zulu Cobra.”
So, it’s both. Okay, got it.
They’ve been talking about buying Apaches since the early 90s. I’ll believe it when the first one is delivered. This might make Guinness for “world’s longest sales cycle.”
If the ROKs are shopping for ground attack aircraft, they need to look at fixed wing and helos. Both have their role. I’d choose Longbows and the upgraded A-10.
http://tonyrogers.com/weapons/a10_new.htm
The A-10 is ugly but effective. Even though the ROK Air Force doesn’t want to fly it cause it ain’t sexy, I bet the ROK Marines would gladly fly it. And for the ROK Navy, the A-10′s 30mm gun would swiss-cheese the NORK’s light weight navy.
I agree about the A10. It is a one-man house party from hell and not too expensive.
Well, Korea’s been talking about buying 36 used (but reconditioned or “preowned,” I believe the expression is at car dealerships) AH-64 Apache Longbows since 2008!
Wedge, I think the Koreans have just been holding off on this so they can negotiate a better price. The more options they mull through, the more they will realize that the Longbow is the best option for them. I think the Americans know that. Both sides are being patient.
As for discussion on the A-10, I agree too. Instead of rewriting what I wrote before:
http://www.rjkoehler.com/2008/07/31/rok-working-towards-yet-another-indigenous-weapons-system/#comment-177536
http://www.rjkoehler.com/2008/07/31/rok-working-towards-yet-another-indigenous-weapons-system/#comment-177599
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