KAI Surion export contract to Iraq

On 23 December 2024, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced it has signed a USD 94 million (136 billion-won) deal to export KUH-1 Surion twin-engine, transport utility helicopters to Iraq.

Under the agreement, KAI will supply two helicopters along with a comprehensive logistics package to the Iraqi government by March 2029. The Surions will be used by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior and are to be used for specialised fire fighting missions.

The KUH-1 Surion is a medium-sized utility helicopter developed by KAI in collaboration with South Korea's Agency for Defence Development (ADD) and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI).

It was first introduced into the South Korean Armed Forces in 2012 and has since been deployed in various roles, including air assault and cargo airlift missions. Currently, over 200 Surion helicopters are in operation with the South Korean Army.

This contract marks the first export of the KUH-1 Surion and this deal signifies a growing defense partnership between South Korea and Iraq. KAI previously secured a USD1,1 billion contract with Iraq in 2013 to supply T-50IQ supersonic advanced jet trainers and light attack aircraft.

Credit photo (just illustrative): Marcel J.van Bielder (Scramble Archive)