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| AH-64E Apache Guardian |
By Jun Ji-hye
AH-64E Apache Guardian advanced attack helicopters were unveiled in the United States, Monday, months before their delivery to the ROK Army, the Defense Acquisition Procurement Administration (DAPA) said Tuesday.
DAPA said Boeing, the manufacturer of the helicopters, held a rollout ceremony in Mesa, Arizona, attended by some 50 officials from the nation's arms procurement agency, Army and defense firms.
A total of 36 Apache Guardians will be delivered to the ROK Army beginning in the middle of next year after first being delivered to the U.S. Army, DAPA said.
South Korea selected the AH-64E in April 2013 in a 1.8 trillion won ($1.6 billion) procurement deal.
DAPA said the Guardian, the upgraded model of the AH-64D Longbow, is considered the best attack helicopter available with state-of-the-art fire control equipment, more powerful, fuel-efficient engines and improved systems for pilots' situational awareness and strikes on smaller targets.
"The Apache Guardian will significantly contribute to strengthening our military's combat readiness by replacing the aging helicopters now in operation," said Baek Yoon-hyeong, head of DAPA's aviation business team.
Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye
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