South Korea has declared its first two Sikorsky MH-60R (Seahawk) maritime helicopters ready for operational deployment.
The helicopters are the first of 12 destined for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) in a $878 million deal agreed with the U.S. Government back in 2020. They are set to be embarked on the fleet’s frigates and destroyers to boost the fleet’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.
The new platforms, the first two airframes to have completed operational readiness checks, were welcomed into service at the start of the month in a ceremony at the 62nd Maritime Aviation Squadron in Jinhae, in South Gyeongsang Province.
Head of the Aircraft Business Division at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Brigadier General Kang Seong-kwon commented: “The new MH-60R maritime operational helicopter is capable of performing various missions, including anti-submarine, anti-ship, and search and rescue operations.”
The helicopters are armed with Hellfire anti-ship guided missiles, as well as Mk-54 lightweight torpedoes which can be used against submarines. Work is also ongoing to integrate domestically produced Cheongsang-eo light torpedoes.
They can deploy a dipping sonar and sonobuoys on ASW missions, and are capable of flying for up to four hours at a time when equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks.
The MH-60Rs will operate alongside South Korea’s existing AW159 Wildcat helicopters and new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
- You can read more details on the DAPA website