KIA Inks First Export Deal with Iraq for its KUH-1 Surion Helicopters

File Photo: KUH-1 Surion Transport Utility Helicopter © KAI29.12.2024 Security
KIA Inks First Export Deal with Iraq for its KUH-1 Surion Helicopters

KIA Inks First Export Deal with Iraq for its KUH-1 Surion Helicopters

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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, local media reported.

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.

Earlier this year, The Defense Chiefs of South Korea and Iraq agreed on 20 March 2024 to strengthen arms industry cooperation, amid signs of Baghdad’s interest in a South Korean-built helicopter, Seoul’s Ministry of Defense said.

Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Mohammed Saeed Al-Abbasi agreed to their talks in Seoul where they discussed ways to expand bilateral defense ties, according to the Ministry, Yonhap news agency reported.

Shin briefed the Iraqi official on various South Korean weapons systems, noting the two sides have established the foundation for further cooperation with the export of the T-50 series aircraft to Iraq.

In 2013, Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) signed a deal to supply 24 T-50IQs, a variant of the T-50 supersonic trainer, to the Middle Eastern country.

The Iraqi Minister expressed expectations that if advanced South Korean weapons are introduced to Iraq, it would help strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, according to the Ministry.

The Iraqi Minister also met with CEOs of major South Korean defense companies during his stay in South Korea, including KAI officials. 

 

 



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