THE SOUTH KOREAN army is once again reviving its interest in acquiring the McDonnell Douglas (MDC) AH-64 Apache, but is facing pressure to hold a competition before ordering a new attack helicopter.
An initial $12 million provision for an attack-helicopter programme is understood to have been included in the South Korean Government's planned 1997 defence budget.
A final decision on procurement is expected in 1997
The army has an initial requirement for 18 helicopters to enter service after 2000. Its longer-term goal is to acquire 38-48 helicopters as eventual replacements for its fleet of single-engined Bell AH-1S Cobras.
Korean interest is focused primarily on the AH-64, but it is being asked also to look at the competing Eurocopter Tiger. "It's an Apache requirement rather than an attack helicopter requirement," however, says a local defence source, adding that, "the army's mind is firmly set on the Apache".
There is some support, however, for opening the AH-64's choice of engine to competition. Rolls-Royce Turboméca is keen to offer South Korea its RTM322 turbo-shaft, as an alternative to the General Electric T700-701, following its recent selection for the British Army's Westland/MDC WAH-64D.
The South Korea air force, in the meantime, has confirmed that it has a requirement for a new F-X fighter aircraft.
Air force chief of staff Lee Kwang-hak is reported to have told the country's parliament that "-South Korea plans to purchase 120 new fighters from 2002".
According to Lee, the air force is looking at the Dassault Rafale, the Eurofighter EF2000, the MDC F-15E and the Sukhoi Su-35 as possible candidates.
Lockheed Martin, as a follow-on to the licence-built Block 52 F-16C/D Korean Fighter Programme, is also considering offering a proposed Block 60/62 development.
Source: Flight International
