South Korea Completes Fielding of 210 KUH-1 Surion Helicopters

The Republic of Korea Army has announced the completion of flight testing for its 210th and final KUH-1 Surion utility helicopter. This milestone flight took place on May 27, 2024 at the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) facility in Sacheon, marking a significant phase in the Army’s modernization efforts. “South Korea Completes Fielding of 210 KUH-1 Surion Helicopters”.

The Surion’s Advanced Capabilities

Developed between 2006-2012 at a cost of around $1 billion and modeled after the Airbus SA330 Puma, the Surion boasts an impressive maximum airspeed of 270 km/h. It can carry up to 13 personnel and has been tailored to meet a range of operational requirements for the ROK armed forces.

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Adoption Across Security Forces

Since its introduction in 2012, the Surion utility helicopter has become an integral part of South Korea’s defense capabilities. While this milestone marks the completion of Surion fielding for the ROK Army, various civil agencies like the Korean National Police and ROK Marine Corps will continue receiving new aircraft.

Boosting Operational Prowess

The KUH-1’s advanced features and versatile design have significantly enhanced South Korea’s military operational capabilities. Its induction underscores the country’s commitment to maintaining a robust and modern defense infrastructure to address evolving threats.

In March 2024, reports indicated that Iraq had expressed interest in acquiring the South Korean made KUH-1 helicopter, highlighting the export potential of this advanced utility platform beyond supplying domestic forces.

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