On August 19, 2024, the United States approved a $3.5 billion sale of up to 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment to South Korea. This sale is part of the US's ongoing efforts to enhance South Korea's military capabilities in deterring threats and participating in regional operations, particularly in light of tensions with North Korea. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) emphasized that this deal will improve security for a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region. Boeing and Lockheed Martin are the principal contractors for this significant military transaction.
The notification of this sale to Congress coincided with the commencement of major joint military drills, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, which are set to run until August 29, 2024. These exercises aim to bolster readiness and cooperation between US and South Korean forces amid increasing regional tensions. The sale of Apache helicopters to South Korea follows a similar trend of military cooperation between the US and its allies, including Poland, which recently signed a $10 billion deal for 96 Apache helicopters to modernize its armed forces in response to security threats from Russia.
Poland's defense spending has been on the rise, with plans to allocate about 4% of its GDP to defense in 2024, reflecting a broader trend among US allies to enhance military capabilities in response to geopolitical challenges. The US has been actively supporting these efforts, providing loans and facilitating arms sales to strengthen the defense posture of its allies. As the US continues to engage in military sales and cooperative defense initiatives, the focus remains on ensuring stability and security in both the Indo-Pacific and European regions, highlighting the interconnected nature of global defense strategies.