South Korea has scrapped plans to purchase 36 additional AH-64E Apache helicopters, whose sale was approved by the US State Department in August 2024, redirecting funds toward unmanned and autonomous systems instead.

In the supplementary budget approved last week, 97 out of 100 billion won ($70.5 out of $72.6 million) in funds allocated this year were slashed. Meanwhile, the remaining 3 billion won ($2.18 million) was reassigned, essentially ending the program.

Drone strikes in Ukraine that exposed the limitations and vulnerabilities of traditional attack helicopters, as well as a 66 percent increase in the cost of the Apaches, were cited as the key reasons for the cancellation.

“The reconsideration of Apache procurement is a positive step,” said People Power Party Representative Yu Yong-weon. “Rather than clinging to expensive legacy platforms, we must invest in capabilities that reflect the future of warfare.”

Preparing for Future Warfare

Aside from the canceled Apache deal, South Korea also dropped a proposed F-35B-armed light aircraft carrier in May. It will develop a Multipurpose Manned and Unmanned Force Command Ship instead, which will launch a variety of drones instead of supersonic stealth fighters.

The war between Russia and Ukraine, ongoing since February 2022, has led several countries to reconsider traditional attack helicopter investments in favor of drones and other modern systems.

In February 2024, the US canceled its Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program, opting instead to invest in existing rotary aviation platforms and new uncrewed systems.

Japan indicated a similar plan in February 2023, when it revealed plans to replace its aging helicopter fleet with drones.