Kyrgyzstan Buys 2 South Korean KUH-1 Surion Helicopters Worth $71M

Kyrgyzstan has acquired two KUH-1 helicopters from South Korea for $71 million to boost its national search and rescue capabilities, according to a statement from the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defense.

The helicopters, designed specifically for search and rescue missions, will be added to an existing fleet that includes H-125 and H-145 models previously procured. The ministry said the purchase would be funded through a loan provided by South Korea.

In addition to the newly purchased aircraft, Kyrgyzstan’s aerial rescue resources were also strengthened in April 2023 by the donation of a Mi-8MTV-1 helicopter from Russia.

Originally developed from the AS-332 Super Puma, the KUH-1 helicopter made its first flight in March 2010 and entered South Korean Army service in May 2013. The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 8,709 kilograms, can carry up to 18 personnel, and has a payload capacity of 2,700 kilograms.

Powered by two T700-701K engines producing 1,855 horsepower each, the KUH-1 can reach speeds up to 283 kilometers per hour. Its standard range is 828 kilometers, with an operational ceiling of 4,595 meters.

Though an armed version of the KUH-1 exists, equipped with machine gun pods, rockets, and anti-tank missiles, Kyrgyz authorities confirmed that the delivered units will be used strictly for non-combat, humanitarian operations.