Apache helicopter of the US Forces Korea. [Photo=Yonhap News]

It has been suggested that Apache helicopter units of the US Forces Korea, which were deactivated last month as part of US Army reforms, could be replaced by drone units.

The Apache, renowned as a "tank killer," has been criticized for its declining cost-effectiveness in modern warfare where drones are dominant.

Accordingly, it is reported that the US Army is considering replacing the six Apache units stationed in Korea and the US mainland with drone units, including attack drones.

According to a report by the US Congressional Research Service (CRS) on the 1st (local time), the 5-17th Cavalry Regiment (5-17 ACS), which was stationed at Camp Humphreys, a US Forces Korea base in Pyeongtaek, was deactivated on December 15 last year.

The 5-17th Cavalry Regiment, established in 2022, operated Apache (AH-64E) attack helicopters and RQ-7B Shadow drones, along with approximately 500 personnel.

The deactivation of six Apache units, including the 5-17th Cavalry Regiment, is part of the 'US Army Transformation Initiative' (ATI) under the directive of US Secretary of the Army Pete Hegses.

The effectiveness of drones has been proven through the Russia-Ukraine war, leading to the necessity of replacing Apache helicopters with drones.

A military official explained, "Apache helicopters are costly to operate and face a high risk of interception if they penetrate deep into the battlefield," adding, "In contrast, drones are less expensive to operate and pose a lower risk of equipment and personnel loss."

When asked on the 2nd if Apache units of the US Forces Korea would be replaced by drone units, Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyu-baek hinted at the possibility of drone replacement, stating, "The answer seems to be in the question."

He further responded, "There seem to be various changes within the US Army concerning Apache helicopters. These changes appear to be part of a broader reform of the entire Army, not just for Apache helicopters of the US Forces Korea."

Some have expressed concerns that the deactivation of Apache units of the US Forces Korea could signal a reduction in the troop strength of the US Forces Korea.

With the second Trump administration demanding greater security burden-sharing from allies like South Korea and reviewing the US global posture, the possibility of reducing the current 28,500-strong US Forces Korea has been consistently raised, and this event could be the harbinger of such a change.

However, the prevailing view is that Apache helicopters will be replaced by other assets such as attack drones, and the troop strength will be maintained.

A Ministry of National Defense official explained, "Militarily, 'deactivate' has two meanings: the unit's operation has ceased, and it is replaced by other assets," projecting that even if the Apache units are deactivated, the troop strength of the US Forces Korea will remain unchanged.

The fact that the US did not consult with South Korea in advance regarding the deactivation of the US Forces Korea Apache units further supports the view that it is unrelated to a reduction in US Forces Korea troop numbers.

When asked if there was prior consultation with the US regarding the deactivation of Apache units, Minister Ahn replied, "There are various prior consultations with the US Forces Korea, but this seems to be a different dimension."

To a follow-up question asking if this means it is not a matter for consultation with South Korea because it does not involve a reduction in US Forces Korea troop strength or assets, he replied, "Yes."

While South Korea is consulted when US Forces Korea personnel or equipment are withdrawn from the country, it is understood that the personnel and equipment of the Apache units remain in South Korea. Some speculate that the US Army has not yet begun consultation procedures with South Korea because the replacement assets for the Apache units have not been finalized.

In this regard, Minister Ahn stated that he plans to visit Camp Humphreys (US Forces Korea base in Pyeongtaek) on the 6th and said, "I plan to go there and hear various matters (from the US side)."