https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News ... 608055414/DEC. 15, 2020 / 1:29 PM
South Korea to acquire Sikorsky's MH-60R Seahawk
Dec. 15 (UPI) -- South Korea has agreed to purchase the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter
to build its fleet of maritime helicopters,
choosing the U.S. model over the AW159 Wildcat,
a British multi-mission helicopter from Leonardo.
Seoul's Defense Acquisition Program Administration said Tuesday
the contract worth $878 million has been signed with Sikorsky,
a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corp., Yonhap and Newsis reported.
The announcement came during a meeting of Seoul's defense project promotion committee,
which is pursuing anti-ship and anti-submarine operational capabilities through overseas purchases,
according to reports.
A total of 12 MH-60R Seahawks are to be delivered to Korea by 2025 in phases.
The twin turbo-shaft engine, multi-mission helicopter is based on the U.S. military's UH-60 Black Hawk.
The Seahawk's integrated dipping sonar system allows it to detect and track submarines.
South Korea is also discontinuing its CH/HH-47D special operations helicopter project,
intended for South Korea's army, because of cost constraints,
according to Newsis.