South Korea Expands Surion Helicopter Development with Joint Consultative Body

South Korea has established an intergovernmental joint consultative body to coordinate the future development, acquisition, and operation of the KUH-1 Surion helicopter, with key ministries and agencies holding an inaugural meeting on March 19 at the Seoul Defense Convention.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the National Police Agency, the National Fire Agency, the Korea Forest Service, and the Korea Coast Guard. Discussions focused on integrated procurement, operational efficiency, and improving the competitiveness of the Surion, the country’s first domestically developed helicopter.

Since its introduction in 2012, the Surion has been adapted for various roles, including troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, and amphibious operations. Over 200 Surion helicopters are currently in service with the South Korean Army, replacing older U.S.-made UH-1H and 500MD helicopters. Officials project that more than 300 units will be in operation nationwide by 2030, supporting defense, law enforcement, firefighting, and search-and-rescue missions.

The consultative body also aims to streamline acquisition by consolidating helicopter purchases across government agencies. Participants highlighted the need for increased cooperation between civilian and military operators to ensure cost-effective maintenance and long-term sustainability.

DAPA emphasized plans to enhance the Surion’s capabilities, including developing a domestic power transmission system to improve reliability. Officials also underscored the importance of boosting exports following the first overseas sale of Surion helicopters last year.

In future meetings, the consultative body will outline policy measures for integrated procurement and joint operations. Plans include signing interagency memorandums of understanding, holding quarterly discussions, and expanding cooperation to unmanned aerial vehicles.