KAI, Hanwha Systems to help upgrade military helicopters

[Courtesy of Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd.]

South Korea’s aerospace and defense company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) Ltd. and aviation electronics developer Hanwha Systems Co. will collaborate to enhance military helicopter performance.

The duo announced on Tuesday at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom that they signed an exclusive memorandum of understanding (MOU) for an upgrade program for the Sikorsky UH/HH-60 helicopters that the South Korean Air Force and Army use for special operations.

KAI and Hanwha Systems will focus on developing and mass-producing systems that enhance the capabilities of the helicopters via digitization as well as integrating avionics systems to ensure reliable operations.

In addition to the recent partnership, KAI and Hanwha Systems plan to collaborate on other helicopter initiatives, including overseas sales of the transport utility helicopter KAI KUH-1 Surion and Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) alongside developing next-generation utility helicopters.