Two ready to tango in South Korean helicopter competition
South Korea’s military has been seeking new helicopters for its special forces. Pictured above is an older CH-47D Chinook already in service. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
Two US-based OEMs will be vying for supremacy in a forthcoming competition for special forces heavy helicopters for the South Korean military.
Two contenders have been eagerly awaiting South Korea’s release of an RfP for a predicted quantity of 18 helicopters for the country’s special forces.
The two contenders for the Special Operations Heavy Helicopter programme are Boeing with its CH-47F Chinook and Sikorsky with the CH-53K King Stallion. Both were promoting their respective offerings at Seoul ADEX 2023.
South Korea completed a feasibility study phase last year. In April, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) approved the helicopter programme with a budget of KRW3.7 trillion (US$2.7 billion) from 2024–31.
John Kim, international business development for defense, space and security at Boeing Korea, said
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight
The Swedish government is expected to make a decision on the next steps of the Future Fighter System Concept programme by 2030, with the current second phase focusing on technology knowledge expansion and demonstration flights.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat is the most mature CCA platform currently under development, with Boeing looking to accelerate its timelines and development of the aircraft.
-
![Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets]()
Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets
The Mexican Air Force has become the first Latin American operator of the C-130J Super Hercules, but the service is not alone in acquiring a tactical airlifter in recent months.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Embraer still sees future C-390 opportunities in region following RSAF snub]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Embraer still sees future C-390 opportunities in region following RSAF snub
The company disclosed several defence contracts and upgrades for its defence aircraft at the show, including additional Super Tucano orders and a new C-390 Millennium customer, Uzbekistan.
