USA Disbands AH-64 Apache Helicopter Squadron in South Korea

The United States Army has disbanded its reconnaissance and attack helicopter unit stationed in South Korea.

According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the 5th Aviation Squadron of the 17th Cavalry Regiment (5-17 ACS) was officially disbanded on December 15, as reported by Defence Blog.

The unit was based at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, about 60 kilometers south of Seoul.

It had been deployed in South Korea since May 2022 to support the US 2nd Infantry Division, operating AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and other reconnaissance equipment.

The disbandment is part of a broader transformation of US Army aviation, but CRS has not clarified whether this marks a reduction in US military presence on the Korean Peninsula.

A Pentagon spokesperson told Yonhap News Agency that a final decision on the fate of the squadron has not yet been made.

“We do not comment on force structure matters until a decision is reached,” he said, emphasizing that the situation is currently under review.