Elbit Systems and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have been selected to modify four Sikorsky UH-60P Black Hawk utility helicopters to the HH-60P Pave Hawk combat search-and-rescue configuration for South Korea under a $30 million contract.

Seoul rejected a rival bid from Israel Aircraft Industries, Korean Air Aerospace and LG International, citing cost grounds.

Upgrade kits will be supplied by Elbit and installed in-country by KAI, with contracts to modify additional aircraft expected as the US Air Force begins to withdraw its Pave Hawk fleet from South Korea.

Source: Flight International