MH-60R helicopter selected for South Korean navy's MOH Batch II programme

South Korea's Defense Project Promotion Committee has selected the Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk multirole naval helicopter to meet the Republic of Korea Navy's (RoKN's) requirement for 12 additional anti-surface- and anti-submarine-warfare-capable rotorcraft.

The country’s Defense Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) announced on 15 December that the twin-turboshaft helicopter, which was chosen over the Leonardo AW159 Wildcat, is to be acquired under a contract that is expected to be signed before the end of 2020 under the RoKN's Maritime Operation Helicopter Batch II (MOH Batch II) programme.

The Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk (seen here in US Navy service) has been selected to meet the RoKN's requirement for 12 additional anti-surface- and anti-submarine-warfare-capable helicopters. (US Navy)

A total of KRW960 billion (USD881.4 million) has been earmarked for the project, which is slated for completion in 2025 and aimed at improving the long-distance surface and underwater detection and attack capabilities of naval vessels, according to DAPA.

Under the MOH Batch I programme, Leonardo supplied eight AW159 Wildcat helicopters to the RoKN in 2016. The platform was selected at the time over the MH-60R after Leonardo reportedly lowered the final price of its AW159 package.

Meanwhile, the committee also approved on 15 December upgrades for the anti-jamming GPS, identification friend-or-foe, and Link 16 tatical datalink systems on the Republic of Korea Air Force's F-15K multirole fighter aircraft. About KRW300 billion has been earmarked for the project, which is mainly aimed at improving communications with US forces during joint missions and exercises. A contract with Boeing is expected to be signed in the near future.

DAPA also announced that the committee decided to discontinue a project to upgrade the Republic of Korea Army’s CH/HH-47D helicopters after considering various aspects related to schedule, performance, and cost.