After KM-SAM II, Iraq Secures KUH Surion Helicopters from South Korea
As previously reported by Defence Security Asia earlier this year, KAI and its local partners have also expressed interest in supplying the KUH Surion to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has signed a contract worth US$93 million (RM417 million) with the Iraqi government to supply its KUH (Korean Utility Helicopter) “Surion” to the Middle Eastern nation.
Under the agreement, the South Korean company is expected to deliver the KUH Surion helicopters by March 2029.
Currently, approximately 200 medium-sized KUH Surion helicopters have been in service with the South Korean Armed Forces since 2012, fulfilling various operational roles.
The KUH Surion is a modern utility helicopter that offers advantages over other helicopters in the market today.
It is capable of operating both day and night and in all weather conditions.
KAI’s helicopter is integrated with the latest developments in rotary-wing technology, featuring a digital glass cockpit, Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS), 3D digital mapping, mission planning and analysis tools, and a Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS), among others.
The aircraft is also equipped with advanced Night Vision Goggle (NVG) systems and flight controls.
Powered by two engines, the KUH Surion boasts a top speed of 146 knots and a Maximum Take-off Gross Weight (MTOW) of 8.7 tonnes. This versatile utility helicopter can carry up to 13 personnel, including two pilots.
As previously reported by Defence Security Asia earlier this year, KAI and its local partners have also expressed interest in supplying the KUH Surion to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
According to sources, the KUH-1 Surion multipurpose helicopter is considered the most suitable platform to equip the 882 Regiment of the Army Aviation Corps (PUTD).
Oil-rich Middle Eastern governments are increasingly placing their trust in South Korea’s defense industry to address their security and defense challenges.
In September, Iraq announced plans to acquire the KM-SAM II (Cheongung II) medium-range air defense system, also known as the “Korean Patriot,” from South Korea.
The Korean Patriot system was developed by South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and manufactured by LIG Nex1.
Iraq joins the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, both of which had earlier decided to procure the medium-range air defense system.
Iraq is set to acquire eight batteries of the air defense system, valued at an estimated US$2.63 billion (RM11.3 billion).
A key feature of the KM-SAM II (Korean Patriot) is its unique technological heritage, combining expertise from both Western and Russian defense sectors.
The KM-SAM II system was developed by LIG Nex1 and ADD with technical assistance from Russia’s Almaz-Antey, the renowned developer behind the S-300, S-400, and the latest S-500 air defense systems. — DSA
