US State Department approves delivery of 400 AGM-114R1 Hellfire II missiles to South Korea.

In September 2012, Seoul ordered 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, support and associated equipment for a total amount of $3.6 bn. In addition to the Hellfires and to the $35 million contract for Stinger® missiles announced yesterday by Raytheon Company, South Korean Air Force also requested 11,020 2.75 Inch HYDRA Rockets and 774,144 30 mm Cartridge HEDP High Explosive Dual Purpose M789s.

The AGM-114R multi–purpose Hellfire II missile is the latest Hellfire variant.. According to the U.S. Army, the AGM-114R will replace all other Hellfire II missile configurations (K/N/M/P). The AGM-114R consolidates the capabilities of all previous Hellfire missile variants. It is equipped with semi–active laser (SAL) seekers into a single missile capable of defeating a broad range of targets. The AGM-114R can be launched from multiple air, sea and ground platforms, autonomously or with remote designation.

From pre-launch to detonation, the AGM-114R employs a range of technological improvements that boost its effectiveness and utility. The AGM-114R features a three–axis inertial measurement unit, which enables properly equipped launch platforms to engage targets to the side and behind without maneuvering into position. The AGM-114R can be launched from higher altitudes than previous variants due to its enhanced guidance system and improved navigation capabilities. A new multi–purpose warhead enables the missile to defeat hard, soft and enclosed targets, which allows pilots to engage many targets with a single Hellfire loadout.