KAI, Hanwha Systems to collaborate on special operations helicopter

Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), South Korea’s sole military aircraft manufacturer, said on Thursday it signed an exclusive memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hanwha Systems Co. and Israel’s Elbit Systems to upgrade UH/HH-60 special operations helicopters for the South Korean Army and Air Force.

The agreement, announced at the Korea Army International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX 2024) in Gyeryongdae, South Chungcheong Province, aims to enhance the helicopters' operational capabilities by digitizing avionics and integrating various systems into the airframe, KAI said.

KAI will lead the development and integration of the aircraft systems, while Hanwha Systems and Elbit Systems will handle prototype modifications and avionics development and integration.

This deal builds on KAI's existing partnership with Hanwha Systems, established at the Farnborough Airshow in July, and now extends to include Elbit Systems.

KAI plans to leverage its experience developing indigenous helicopters, such as the Surion and Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), to enhance the UH/HH-60.

KAI added that the companies view the collaboration as a strategic step toward strengthening future cooperation.

Write to Hyung-Kyu Kim at khk@hankyung.com