The United States has approved a possible foreign military sale to the Republic of Korea for an upgrade of its AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, a package the US State Department values at an estimated 1.2 billion dollars.
The US State Department made the determination on 18 May 2026, with the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notifying Congress under transmittal number 26-43. According to the notification, South Korea has requested eight AN/APG-78 fire control radar mast-mounted assemblies, eight Longbow radar electronic units and 40 AN/ARC-231A very high frequency and ultra high frequency radios, together with a substantial list of supporting equipment and services.
The supporting items run to the systems that define a modern Apache’s sensor and networking fit. They include the Small Tactical Terminal KOR-24A with Link 16, the Improved Data Modem, the AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System, Manned-Unmanned Teaming X, enhanced image-intensifier cameras, communication and navigation equipment, spare parts, test and support equipment, software, technical documentation, personnel training and US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics services.
The AN/APG-78 is the Longbow fire control radar, a millimetre-wave set mounted above the main rotor that lets the Apache detect, classify and prioritise targets while keeping most of the airframe behind cover, and pass that picture to other aircraft. The Manned-Unmanned Teaming capability allows an Apache crew to receive video from and, in some configurations, control the sensors of nearby uncrewed aircraft, extending the helicopter’s reach without exposing it to the same threats.
South Korea operates a fleet of AH-64E Apaches acquired in the 2010s and has moved to expand and modernise that force, an upgrade path that keeps its helicopters aligned with the latest US Army configuration and preserves interoperability with American forces stationed on the peninsula.
