Iraq purchases South Korea's KUH-1 Surion in historic first export deal.

On December 23, 2024, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed with Iraq the first export contract for the KUH-1 Surion helicopter, marking its inaugural sale on the international market. South Korea's agreement with Iraq includes the delivery of two helicopters by March 2029. This contract is valued at approximately 135.7 billion won (USD 92.3 million) and represents 3.6% of KAI’s 2023 sales. The deal also includes pilot and maintenance training, as well as customization for firefighting missions.
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The KUH-1 Surion is South Korea’s first domestically developed medium-sized utility helicopter, initiated in 2006 under the Korean Helicopter Program (KHP) in collaboration with Eurocopter, now part of Airbus. (Picture source: KAI)

The Iraqi Ministry of Interior confirmed the contract via social media, noting that the helicopters are intended for specialized firefighting missions and will include pilot and maintenance training. The contract follows a March 2024 visit by Lieutenant General Samir Zaki Hussein al-Maliki, Commander of Iraq’s Army Aviation Command, to South Korea, where he personally tested the Surion. The deal signals a new phase in defense cooperation between Iraq and South Korea, following Iraq’s 2013 purchase of 24 FA-50 light attack aircraft from KAI.

Iraq has recently expanded its defense procurement from South Korea, including a $2.8 billion contract in September 2024 with LIG Nex1 for the Cheongung-II (M-SAM II) medium-range surface-to-air missile system to enhance its air defense capabilities. These acquisitions build on Iraq's earlier procurement of 24 T-50IQ aircraft, a variant of the T-50 Golden Eagle, in 2013. In addition to defense trade, the two nations have engaged in discussions on broader cooperation, underscoring their strengthening bilateral relations.

Iraq’s procurement of the Surion aligns with its strategy to modernize its defense assets and diversify suppliers. In addition to the Surion contract, Iraq recently formalized an agreement with Airbus Helicopters for 12 H225M Caracal helicopters, set for delivery in 2025. The Caracal, a medium-sized helicopter for tactical transport and search-and-rescue missions, aligns with Iraq's strategy to expand its helicopter fleet.

The KUH-1 Surion is South Korea’s first domestically developed medium-sized utility helicopter, initiated under the Korean Helicopter Program (KHP) in collaboration with Eurocopter, now part of Airbus. Development began in 2006 to replace aging platforms such as the UH-1H and 500MD helicopters. The Surion conducted its maiden flight in 2010 and entered production in 2012, with its official deployment starting in 2013. Early development challenges, including vibration and icing system issues, were resolved through iterative testing and improvements. The helicopter now meets diverse certification standards, ensuring its suitability for domestic and international markets.

Powered by twin Hanwha Techwin T700-701K turboshaft engines, the Surion supports a maximum takeoff weight of 8,709 kilograms, a range of 828 kilometers, and a cruising speed of 251 kilometers per hour. It features advanced avionics, including GPS, radar warning systems, and digital mapping capabilities, along with safety features such as bulletproof airframes, crash-resistant fuel tanks, and countermeasure systems. The helicopter is designed for multipurpose use, enabling it to perform both military and civilian missions in various operational environments.

In South Korea, the Surion is utilized by the South Korean Army (ROKA) and various public service agencies, including the Korea Forest Service, National Fire Agency, and Coast Guard. Its roles encompass troop transport, firefighting, medical evacuation, and search-and-rescue operations. Variants include the Marineon for amphibious operations, firefighting models with 2,500-liter water tanks and night vision equipment, and mine-sweeping helicopters currently under development.

In December 2024, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) also secured an agreement to supply two KUH-1 Surion helicopters, customized for firefighting purposes, with delivery expected by March 2029. By 2024, more than 300 units of the Surion and its variants had been produced and deployed, demonstrating its versatile applications across various sectors.