The South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that the modernization process of the UH-60P Black Hawk helicopter fleet of the Armed Forces is in an advanced stage after receiving proposals from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Korean Air. This project, valued at USD 654 million, aims to upgrade the aircraft, which have been in service since the 1990s, with improvements in avionics and operational capabilities.
The modernization project for the UH/HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters of the South Korean Army and Air Force is part of an initiative that, after a decade of progress and setbacks, has finally taken shape with the goal of extending the aircraft’s lifespan by 20 years. This progress led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last October between KAI, Hanwha Systems, and the Israeli company Elbit Systems, consolidating cooperation for the upgrade.
It is worth noting that both companies that have now submitted proposals have formed strategic alliances with local and international defense firms to compete for the contract, whose awardee will be determined next month. In this regard, KAI has partnered with the U.S. defense company Sikorsky Aircraft, the developer of the Black Hawk, and the South Korean company Hanwha Systems. Meanwhile, Korean Air, South Korea’s national airline, has formed an alliance with the defense firm LIG Nex1 Co. and other partners.
Currently, these aircraft are used by South Korea’s Special Operations Forces, and according to various sources, the modernization program will focus on a fleet of only 36 units, while the remaining helicopters from the country’s total of 144 Black Hawks will be retired at the end of their service life. In this regard, KAI reported that the primary goal of the upgrades will be to enhance the operational capabilities of the units by digitizing avionics and integrating various fuselage systems. Additionally, it was stated that the project timeline will span seven years from the signing of the contract.
Some Facts About the UH-60P
Chosen by armed forces worldwide for its adaptability and reliability, the UH-60P helicopters are designed to military specifications for various mission types, proving to be a rugged aircraft on the battlefield, during civilian emergencies, and in other roles. In military or civilian operations, the Black Hawk provides operators with a payload capacity of 4,354 kg, over 900 kg more than its Korean competitor, and the ability to transport a platoon of 11 fully equipped soldiers. In South Korea’s case, since its introduction in 1990 following an agreement between Korean Air and Sikorsky Aircraft, the South Korean company produced 124 of the 131 units for the Republic of Korea Army.
Finally, a press release from Lockheed Martin highlights that modernizing the UH-60P fleet with 21st-century avionics will allow the Army to integrate modern equipment and mission capabilities into the platform. In this regard, the Black Hawk can be armed with cannons, rockets, and missiles, conduct combat assault missions, medical evacuations, border patrol and surveillance, combat search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and other combat support functions.
You may also like: South Korea has completed the delivery of a new batch of K2 Black Panther tanks to the Polish Armed Forces
