KAI Secures Contract for KUH-1 Surion Helicopters with Iraq
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has officially signed a significant contract to supply KUH-1 Surion utility transport helicopters to Iraq. Valued at 136 billion South Korean won (approximately $92.7 million), this agreement marks KAI’s inaugural deal involving the Surion helicopters with the Iraqi government. The delivery of these aircraft is anticipated to be completed by March 2029, as reported by Yonhap, a South Korean news agency.
The contract follows a recent meeting in December between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani and representatives from KAI. During this meeting, they reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening defense cooperation between Iraq and South Korea. Discussions also included plans to finalize the construction of a new Iraqi Air Force base in Al-Suwaira, which will be equipped with various aircraft.
Strengthening Iraq’s Defense Capabilities
In a statement released by the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office, it was emphasized that this initiative aligns with the government’s objectives to reform the security sector and enhance the capabilities of its security forces. Prime Minister Al-Sudani highlighted the necessity for Iraq to diversify its military procurement sources as part of a broader strategy aimed at improving the readiness and efficiency of its defense forces to address both internal and external threats.
This partnership with KAI is seen as a crucial step in Iraq’s efforts to modernize its military capabilities and ensure security within its borders. The Prime Minister’s office pointed out that the agreement is not just about acquiring new helicopters but is part of a comprehensive approach to bolster Iraq’s defense posture.
KAI’s Broader Military Engagement
In addition to the contract with Iraq, KAI has announced a separate project to supply helicopters for the Korea Coast Guard and the Korea Forest Service. This initiative includes the delivery of a Surion variant equipped with advanced technology such as a next-generation active electronically scanned array radar, an electro-optical infrared camera, and icing countermeasures, among other components, to aid in search and rescue operations. These helicopters are expected to be delivered by December 2027.
KAI President Kang Koo-young stated that the development of military and derivative helicopters has enabled the Surion to incorporate optional equipment suitable for a variety of missions. KAI remains committed to advancing its technology to ensure competitiveness and meet the diverse needs of both domestic and international customers in the rotary-wing sector.
The Versatile KUH-1 Surion Helicopter
The KUH-1 Surion helicopter was introduced to the Republic of Korea Army in 2013, intended to replace the outdated Bell UH-1 Iroquois and MD 500 helicopters. With an overall length of 19 meters (62 feet), the Surion can transport over 10 passengers or carry approximately 2,700 kilograms (5,952 pounds) of external cargo.
Powered by a twin General Electric/Hanwha Aerospace turboshaft engine, the Surion generates around 1,900 horsepower, enabling it to reach speeds up to 270 kilometers (168 miles) per hour. It boasts an impressive range of 450 nautical miles (833 kilometers/518 miles) and a service ceiling of 15,000 feet (4,572 meters). The helicopter can also be outfitted with mounted machine guns, air-launched rockets, and anti-tank guided missiles, showcasing its versatility in various operational scenarios.
KAI’s Commitment to Innovation
As of now, the South Korean government operates over 260 Surion helicopters across various configurations in both armed forces and federal service. KAI’s ongoing efforts to innovate and enhance the Surion’s capabilities are indicative of the company’s dedication to maintaining a competitive edge in the military aviation sector.
The advancements in technology and the expansion of the Surion fleet demonstrate KAI’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of military forces both domestically and abroad. With the recent contracts and ongoing projects, KAI is poised to play a significant role in the modernization of military aviation in various countries.
