The AH-64E Apache Guardian was originally designated AH-64D Block III in 2012 but because of its advanced capabilities compared to previous variants it was renamed. Everything about the AH- 64E is bigger and better or improved when compared to earlier variants. A large number of improvements are meant to protect the crew from guns up to 27 mm rounds as well as crash resistant seats. Equipped with new sensors, avionics and night operation capabilities the AH-64E also has the ability to control UAVs.
The South Korean Army bought thirty six Boeing AH-64E helicopters that included six that were equipped with the Longbow fire control radar. The Longbow provides the ability to detect up to one hundred and twenty eight targets at the same time at distances up to twelve kilometers. The ROK Army equipped two battalions with the new AH-64Es. The AH-64E is meant to replace the ninety ageing ROKA Bell AH-1S Cobra attack helicopter that began service in 1977. The ROK Marines have opted for the KAI (Korea Aerospace Industries) Surion.