Boeing has rolled out first AH-64E for South Korea

The latest-version AH-64 Apache attack helicopters destined for South Korea have been unveiled months before the start of deliveries, the country's arms procurement agency said Tuesday.

Boeing held a rollout ceremony for the AH-64E Apache Guardian in Mesa, Arizona, on Monday (local time), attended by representatives from South Korea's Army and the Defense Acquisition Procurement Administration (DAPA).

The choppers will be first delivered to the U.S. Army for test flights and transferred to South Korea beginning in the first half of next year, according to DAPA officials.

The DAPA signed a US$1.6 billion contract with the U.S. in a Foreign Military Sales program in 2013 to buy 36 AH-64Es, an upgraded model of the AH-64D Longbow.

The AH-64E is a heavily armed helicopter featuring more powerful, fuel-efficient engines and enhanced rotor blade technology, as well as improved aircraft handling, performance and agility at higher altitudes.

It is also equipped with improved systems for pilots' situational awareness and strikes on smaller targets.

"The Apache Guardian will greatly contribute to the strengthening of our military's combat capability by replacing aging helicopters currently in operation," said Baek Yoon-hyeong, head of the DAPA's aviation business team.