Asian Military Review2008-08-01 08:05:31
South Korea to develop attack helicopter
According to local reports this week, Seoul has decided to indigenously develop its own helicopters in partnership with foreign defence firms rather than purchase an off the shelf capability. However, the project faces a challenging timeframe the army pushing for an initial capability deployable between 2013 and 2018.
The Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) made its final decision following a 19 month feasibility study of the Korea Attack Helicopter (KAH) project. The development of the aircraft is expected to cost between $5 billion and $10 billion, but follows Seoul's continuing drive to bolster its defence industrial expertise.
The KAH is expected to replace the army's aging fleet of AH-1S Cobra and Hughes 500MD TOW attack helicopters. However, in the interim Seoul is mulling the idea of purchasing 36 US AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters as a gap filler before KAH comes on stream. The purchase is expected to cost some $864 million and will include an upgrade to the newest Block III standard.
While Seoul continues to mull its option a number of leading helicopter manufacturers have begun positioning themselves for the KAH project.
According to local reports this week, Seoul has decided to indigenously develop its own helicopters in partnership with foreign defence firms rather than purchase an off the shelf capability. However, the project faces a challenging timeframe the army pushing for an initial capability deployable between 2013 and 2018.
The Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) made its final decision following a 19 month feasibility study of the Korea Attack Helicopter (KAH) project. The development of the aircraft is expected to cost between $5 billion and $10 billion, but follows Seoul's continuing drive to bolster its defence industrial expertise.
The KAH is expected to replace the army's aging fleet of AH-1S Cobra and Hughes 500MD TOW attack helicopters. However, in the interim Seoul is mulling the idea of purchasing 36 US AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters as a gap filler before KAH comes on stream. The purchase is expected to cost some $864 million and will include an upgrade to the newest Block III standard.
While Seoul continues to mull its option a number of leading helicopter manufacturers have begun positioning themselves for the KAH project.
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