Iraq to purchase KUH-1 Surion helicopters from Korea Aerospace Industries

South Korean defense firm and manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has announced the signing of a KRW 136 billion ($93.7 million) deal to export the Korean Utility Helicopter(KUH) Surion to Iraq.

This historic deal, the very first for both parties, covers the purchase and delivery of two KUH-1 Surion helicopters. South Korean news outlet Yonhap reported that under the deal, KAI will supply the helicopters to the Iraqi government by March 2029.

The agreement also includes pilot and maintenance training, as well as customization for firefighting missions.

KAI succeeded in exporting the South Korean mobile helicopter Surion to Iraq. Since it was first developed as a South Korean army mobile helicopter, the Surion has evolved into about 10 models and proven its reliability and capabilities. pic.twitter.com/9EixWEMzTG— kf21_military (@fa50_defense) December 24, 2024 The KUH-1, also known as Surion, is a twin-engine transport utility helicopter. Research and development of the helicopter commenced in 2006. Full-scale production of the Surion began in 2012.

The helicopters have been deployed in the Republic of Korea Army(RoKA) for operation since the end of 2012. They have carried out missions including troop transport and airfreight, contributing to strengthening military power.

The deal to purchase the KUH-1 came shortly after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met representatives of Korea Aerospace Industries on December 23, 2024.

The Iraqi Prime Minister’s media office said in a social media post: “The Prime Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to cooperating with KAI and benefiting from its expertise and capabilities to develop and enhance Iraq’s air defense systems. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the government program aimed at achieving security sector reform and advancing the capacities of security forces.” 

The Iraqi Minister’s media office declared that the two parties have also discussed contracts signed with the Ministries of Interior and Defense for supplying aircraft and contributing to the completion of Al-Suwaira Air Base, scheduled to open in 2025.

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