South Korea wants to triple its fleet of American MH-60R helicopters to counter North Korean submarines built using russian technology. The deal involves 24 helicopters, along with a package of additional equipment, and could cost up to $3 billion.
These figures are included in the sales authorization issued by the U.S. State Department. The deal includes 24 low-frequency dipping sonar systems, eight M240D 7.62-mm machine guns, and 52 anti-spoofing navigation and guidance systems, including 48 for installation and four spares.
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The package will also include T700-GE-401D engines, APS-153(V) multifunction radars, an identification friend-or-foe system, mission and communications systems, as well as threat warning and countermeasure systems. It also includes other specialized components, spare parts, personnel training, logistics support, documentation, and support services, as well as training and testing equipment.
It amounts to a substantial list, but overall it appears to be a standard package for a naval helicopter. A similar configuration with minor differences was described in the 2023 contract for six MH-60Rs for Norway, which was valued at $1 billion—making it more expensive per aircraft than the offer for South Korea.
The difference in cost between the South Korean and Norwegian contracts can be explained by the fact that the latter includes the MIDS JTRS communication system, which operates on Link 16. It should also be noted that the figure cited by the U.S. State Department is a ceiling estimate, and actual contracts are often less expensive. In fact, Norway ultimately paid $364 million for six helicopters.
This is not South Korea's first purchase of new American MH-60R helicopters, as 12 units were ordered back in 2020 for $878 million. The primary mission of these helicopters will be anti-submarine warfare.
It can be assumed that this is a response to the Chinese and North Korean presence in the region. North Korea is currently investing heavily in nuclear-powered submarines using technology obtained from russia and continues to build conventional submarines. China is also continuing to expand its fleet with stealth submarines.
South Korea is actively developing its own equipment for the Navy's needs. A recent example is the KAAV-2 infantry fighting vehicle, which is designed for marines and could serve as a viable tracked alternative for those looking to replace the aging AAV-7s.
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