The first of 30 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters have arrived in South Korea for delivery to the South Korean Army.

The Ministry of Defense said the aircraft recently arrived by ship and that remaining aircraft would be delivered by early next year.

"This is a project that will enhance our rapid-reaction power in preparation for North Korea's armored power threats and local provocations," The Ministry of Defense said. "The model was selected in April 2013, and the first delivery was made at the Boeing factory located in Arizona in November of last year. As of early this year, all requisite ammunition, supportive equipment, repair parts, etc. has been transferred."

The AH-64 first came into service in 1986. The "E" variant, formerly known as the AH-64D Block III, features improved digital connectivity, the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, more powerful engines and the capability to control unmanned aerial vehicles. It also features new composite rotor blades.

Boeing to produce 24 Apache helicopters for Qatar
Doha, Qatar (UPI) Jun 8, 2016 - Qatar will receive 24 AH-64E Apache helicopters, one Longbow crew trainer, ground equipment and Thales radios as part of a $667 million U.S. Army contract awarded to Boeing.

Work for the undefinitized fixed-price-incentive foreign military sales contract will be performed in Arizona, with an expected completion date of May 2020. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, is the contracting activity.

The U.S. agreed in 2014 to an $11 billion arms sale to Qatar that includes Apaches, Patriot and Javelin air-defense systems, and other arms.

The two countries signed a 10-year defense cooperation agreement in late 2013. Washington regards the improvement of its Gulf allies' air defenses a priority.

Qatar was instrumental in getting the Taliban to release Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl in 2014 after he was held for five years by the group, in exchange for Taliban leaders who were being held by the United States at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.