Replacing AH-1S Cobras
The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) currently uses the aging AH-1S Cobras as their main attack helicopter, but the numbers have been dwindling due to service life and limited spare parts.
As the quest for replacements began in the early 2000s, the result eventually turned out to be disastrous, with only 13 AH-64D Apache helicopters ever procured.
Needless to say, this figure was far below what JGSDF had in mind.
The initial idea was to acquire 62 Apaches to replace the approximately 90 AH-1S helicopters.
So, how did Japan end up with less than 20% of its original goal?
Skyrocketing Prices
As usual for JSDF equipment, cost overruns are mainly to be blamed for the huge discrepancy.
The Japanese Apaches were to be license-produced by Fuji Heavy Industries (present day Subaru), making the company invest in brand new production lines for the job.
However, the annual procurement of small numbers hiked the unit price to around 7〜8 million USD, far beyond initial estimates.
To make matters worse, the United States ceased production of the AH-64D as it transferred to the more advanced AH-64E model. This obviously facilitated concerns on the Japanese side with respect to spare parts and customer support.
Ditching the AH-64D and upgrading to the E model seemed like a potential solution, but the overall cost performance was uncertain at the time, leading the Defense Ministry to halt further procurement.
But, the decision came too late as Fuji Heavy Industries had already invested in the production line and paid the licensing fees for over 60 units.
Thus, these costs were added to the Apaches already in production, skyrocketing the price to nearly 180 million USD per unit.
With the unit cost surpassing that of fighter jets, Japan’s purchase of Apache helicopters became a total fiasco.
The Current Situation
Currently, all remaining Apaches are operated by the 2nd Aviation Regiment at Camp Metabaru in Kyushu.
However, with one helicopter lost in a tragic accident, only 12 units remain operational, which is hardly enough to serve as a sizable combat force.
If we take maintenance into account, it is safe to assume that only 5〜6 are in active service at any given time, further making its existence super-rare.
Apache landing on a helicopter carrier (photo: JMSDF)
JGSDF intends to use these Apaches for close air support during island recapture operations, and have conducted takeoff/landing exercises on the navy’s helicopter carriers.
Nonetheless, it is dubious whether a fleet of 12 Apaches can contribute to island defense in a significant manner.
Given this situation, the Defense Ministry has opted to replace all attack helicopters, including the AH-1S Cobras, with newly introduced drones.
While the specific candidates remain unannounced, the fate of the small number of Japanese Apaches has been decided – To be phased out without ever establishing their operational framework.
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