South Korea debuts AH-64E Apache attack helicopter during massive joint display with USFK

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World Defense & Security News - South Korea
 
 
South Korea debuts AH-64E Apache attack helicopter during massive joint display with USFK
 
Two AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters from the South Korean Army fired aerial rockets and ammunitions from chain guns at mock targets during a massive joint drill with the US armed forces, making the public debut of the newly-acquired attack helicopter.
     
South Korea debuts AH 64E Apache attack helicopter during massive joint display with USFK 640 001ROKA AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter
(Credit: ROKA)
     
Staged at a training range in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, on Wednesday, the spectacular display of firepower involved more than 2,000 South Korean and American troops.

In the maneuver, South Korea's own Apache helicopters made their public debut.

Hovering above the training ground, two AH-64E Guardians, supported by six AH-1S Cobra copters, pounded targets about 1.2 kilometers ahead with rockets and ammunition, although more powerful Hellfire missiles were not used. It marked the first time for their live-fire practice to be shown to the public.

     
South Korea debuts AH 64E Apache attack helicopter during massive joint display with USFK 640 002ROKA AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter
(Credit: ROKA)
     
The latest upgraded Apache model is one of the South Korean Army's iconic newly acquired weapons along with the indigenous K-239 Chunmoo artillery rocket system, known as K-MLRS.

The South Korean Army created two Apache battalions, composed of a total of 36 choppers, late last year.

"We are in the process of training pilots. Our new Apache helicopters will be put into full service in the latter half of this year," the Army said.

U.S. Forces Korea has also deployed 38 AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters on the peninsula.

(Source: Yonhap)