According to a report from the military news website 'Flight Global', South Korea plans to stop the additional purchase of AH-64E Apache helicopters due to cuts in the national defense budget by the National Assembly and changing needs on modern battlefields. Instead, the country aims to invest in advanced drones to enhance combat readiness.

Currently, South Korea operates 36 Apache helicopters, which have been in service since 2016, with a plan to purchase an additional 36 to fully replace older models such as the AH-1S. The U.S. State Department approved South Korea's request for an additional 36 Apache helicopters last August.

However, the South Korean defense budget for 2025 allocated 10 billion won (approximately NT$194 million) as an advance payment, which was recently reduced during a parliamentary review, leaving a total of only 300 million won, representing a 97% cut.

The report notes that tactical drones demonstrated cost-effectiveness and higher operational efficiency during the Ukraine-Russia conflict, impacting the strategic value of attack helicopters in supporting ground forces. Consequently, South Korea plans to halt its purchase of AH-64E helicopters and consider redirecting those funds towards building a drone unit to meet the requirements of modern warfare.