Korea Aerospace to Deliver Surion Helicopters for Coast Guard, Forest Service

Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) signed a contract with South Korea's Public Procurement Service to supply two helicopters: a Surion-based Coast Guard helicopter and a customized Korea Forest Service helicopter.

The Coast Guard helicopter, derived from the Surion, is equipped with an AESA radar for maritime target detection. Additional features include an electro-optical infrared camera, de-icing and anti-icing systems, a hoist, and a searchlight, enhancing its search and rescue capabilities.

The Korea Forest Service helicopter features the newly developed FT3000 water tank with a freshwater capacity of over 2.5 tons, improving its efficiency in large-scale forest fire fighting. It also includes enhanced night vision systems and the Enhanced Vision System (EVS) for all-weather air command operations. The aircraft is designed to handle forest fire fighting, mountain rescue, cargo airlift, and quarantine missions.

Both helicopters will be delivered to their respective agencies in December 2027, following a 36-month production period. The Coast Guard currently operates nine Surions, while the Korea Forest Service uses four.

Since its inception, the Surion has been adapted for military and civilian purposes, including medical evacuation and amphibious assault missions. KAI has produced over 260 military and official helicopters, with 35 Surion models delivered to agencies such as the police, Coast Guard, firefighting, and forestry services.

As part of its efforts to expand its market share, KAI aims to replace aging Russian-made Kamov helicopters in South Korea and has begun exporting the Surion. In 2023, the company completed its first overseas test flight at the Dubai Air Show and secured its first international sale, delivering two units to Iraq.