US Approves South Korea's $3.5B Purchase Request for Apache Helicopters

The State Department has approved South Korea’s request to purchase up to 36 AH-64E Apache helicopters from the U.S. government.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Monday the proposed foreign military sale is valued at around $3.5 billion and includes 76 T700-GE-701D engines, 36 AN/ASQ-170 modernized target acquisition and designation sight, 28 AN/APG-78 fire control radars with mast-mounted assembly and radar electronic units, 456 AGM-114R2 hellfire missiles, 40 AAR-57 common missile warning systems, 152 AGM-179A joint air-to-ground missiles and six M36E8 captive air training missiles.

The possible acquisition would also provide the South Korean government with engineering, technical and support services.

Boeing and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will serve as the principal contractors for the FMS.

The Apache battle-proven attack helicopter is employed by military forces around the world, including in India, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The government of Poland also recently signed a letter of offer and acceptance to formalize its acquisition of 96 AH-64E combat aircraft for $10 billion. Boeing was tapped to manufacture the helicopters at its Mesa, Arizona, facilities.

DSCA has notified Congress of the potential FMS.

Learn more about how international partnerships are shaping the defense landscape at home and abroad at the Potomac Officers Club’s GovCon International Summit on Oct. 10. Register here for the in-person.