South Korea's defense authorities have given the green light to a plan to acquire new helicopters for maritime operations from abroad, replacing the aging maritime helicopter fleet, as reported by the government's arms procurement agency.
The Defense Project Promotion Committee approved the core strategic plan for the project, worth 2.87 trillion won (about 2.23 billion US dollars) from 2025 to 2032, aimed at replacing the old "Lynx" helicopters, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
The administration stated that the new helicopters are expected to enhance the capabilities of anti-submarine and surface naval vessels, addressing threats posed by ballistic missiles launched from North Korean submarines.
An official from the defense sector mentioned that the "MH-60R" helicopter from the US aerospace company Lockheed Martin and the "NH-90" helicopter from the French company NH Industries are the leading candidates for the project.
South Korea's decision to bolster its maritime helicopter fleet is a strategic move to ensure the security of its coastal waters and respond effectively to evolving threats, including potential missile launches from North Korean submarines.
The project reflects the nation's commitment to maintaining a strong and capable defense posture in the region.
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