The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) is eyeing the acquisition of up to 24 additional MH-60R helicopters from Sikorsky, as it modernises its naval helicopter fleet. On 18 May, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified this potential sale worth up to US$3 billion.
Each new MH-60R will be equipped with an airborne low-frequency sonar; AN/AVS-9 night vision device; AN/AAR-47 missile warning system; AN/APX-123 identification friend-or-foe transponder; AN/ALE-47 dispensers; AN/AAS-44C(V) multispectral targeting system; AN/ALQ-210 electronic support measures; and APS-153(V) multi-mode radar.
The 24 Romeos will add to twelve MH-60Rs that South Korea ordered in December 2020 under its Maritime Operations Helicopter Batch 2 project. Inflation has hit hard, because Seoul paid US$864 for a dozen helicopters back then.
The first unit from that initial order arrived in South Korea by sea in February 2025, and the ROKN had received half its Romeos by November 2025. All deliveries were then due to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Subsequently, the ROKN formally accepted two MH-60Rs on 1 April 2026. These are being operated by the 62nd Maritime Helicopter Group based at Jinhae near Busan.
Admiral Kim Kyung-ryul, Chief of Naval Operations, said at the time, “The Seahawk, which begins full-scale operations from today, will deliver devastating defeat to the enemy and overwhelming victory to our forces with its outstanding detection and tracking capabilities, armaments and rapid maneuverability, much like the majesty of a hawk.”
The ROKN also operates eight Leonardo AW159 Wildcats, as well as 24 older Super Lynx Mk.99/99A helicopters acquired in the 1990s and that are now in need of replacement.
With North Korea developing a Sinpo-C submarine capable of firing nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, such anti-submarine warfare platforms are more vital than ever for South Korea.
Other MH-60R operators or buyers in the Asia-Pacific region include Australia, India and New Zealand.
On the very same day, 18 May, the DSCA announced a potential upgrade package for the Republic of Korea Army’s (ROKA) AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. The Foreign Military Sale’s estimated cost is US$1.2 billion.
The package encompasses eight mast-mounted AN/APG-78 Longbow fire control radars; 40 AN/ARC-231A VHF/UHF radios; KOR-24A small tactical terminals with Link 16 capability; and Manned-Unmanned Teaming X (MUM-TX) suites.
The latter MUM-TX allows Apaches to transmit/receive data from unmanned aerial vehicles.
The ROKA received 36 Boeing Apaches in 2016-17. Despite wanting more of the helicopters that are able to target North Korean armoured vehicles and fast boats, Seoul eventually balked at the US$3.5 billion price tag last year.
