Korean Air wins tender to upgrade UH-60P helicopters

Korean Air Aerospace Division will upgrade 36 Lockheed Martin (Sikorsky) UH-60P helicopters in service with the Republic of Korea military with new systems (including digital cockpits) while improving the performance of the helicopter. (KAL-ASD)

Korean Air has announced that its Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD) has been selected as the “preferred bidder” to upgrade Lockheed Martin (Sikorsky) UH-60P Black Hawk helicopters in service with the Republic of Korea (RoK) Armed Forces.

In a statement on 23 April, Korean Air said that it participated in the bid as part of a consortium with LIG Nex1 and Collins Aerospace. The company added that it was notified of its selection by South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

The upgrade programme, which is valued at KRW961.3 billion (USD675 million), also received a bid from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in collaboration with Hanwha Systems and Elbit Systems.

The “core objective of this modernisation” programme is “enhance a total of 36 UH-60 helicopters”, Korean Air said.

The RoK Army has 103 UH-60Ps in service, plus four specialist HH-60P Pave Hawks, which are modified UH-60Ps and used in the combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) role. The RoK Air Force (RoKAF) operates 25 HH-60P Pave Hawks. The RoK Navy (RoKN) operates 10 UH-60Ps. DAPA has previously told Janes that the upgrades will be applied to helicopters in service with special forces.

According to Korean Air, the upgrade covers “digital cockpit upgrades and implementing comprehensive performance improvements covering engines, survivability systems, communication suites, integrated depot maintenance, and force integration support elements”.

“Korean Air will enter into detailed negotiations with DAPA regarding technical specifications and contract terms before finalising the agreement,” the company added.

KAL-ASD plans to commence delivery of the upgraded helicopters to the military in 2029.