The South Korean government will begin local production of a minesweeping helicopter by 2026 to bolster its maritime operations.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) recently signed a 347.7-billion-won ($271.4 million) deal with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to formalize the project kick-off, local media reported.
Under the contract, a prototype will be produced within 47 months.
The helicopter will enhance the Korean Navy’s countermine operations, removing underwater mines to protect maritime shipping lanes.
“The Navy will be able to conduct swift, multidimensional anti-mine operations,” a DAPA official was quoted as saying.
Minesweeping Helicopter Battalion
Korea’s minesweeping chopper will be based on KAI’s Marine Corps amphibious aircraft, Marineon.
Using upgraded avionics systems and software, the helicopter will conduct advanced aerial minesweeping missions while minimizing risks.
“We expect a high degree of interoperability, as well as an increase in the rate of operation and a reduction in operating and maintenance costs,” a KAI official said.
The aerospace firm is also planning to integrate laser mine search equipment, underwater self-propelled mine search vehicles, and unmanned mine clearance equipment to efficiently seek out, identify, and clear mines.
According to a report by The Korea Times, the navy is eyeing the development of a minesweeping helicopter battalion by 2030 following the aircraft prototype production.
“(We) expect it to become a major weapons system able to protect our country’s major ports and sea lines of communication given that 99 percent of Korea’s imports and exports are transported through maritime trade,” a DAPA official said.
