South Korea’s navy is looking to acquire at least eight airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) helicopters for delivery early next decade.
Industry sources say the navy is considering purchasing the Sikorsky MH-60S through US government foreign-military sales channels. The US government provided information on its AMCM systems earlier this year and the South Korean navy has requested additional information.
Sources say AgustaWestland is trying to convince Seoul to also consider the EH101. The AMCM variant of the EH101 was launched in 2003 by Japan and the first of 11 helicopters will be delivered by Kawasaki Heavy Industries to the Japanese navy early next year. But the aircraft will not initially be equipped for AMCM missions and it is unclear if Seoul can acquire the mission suite it seeks if the EH101 is selected. AgustaWestland is particularly keen to sell EH101s to Korea after losing a VIP helicopter competition earlier this year to the Sikorsky S-92.
South Korea requires at least eight AMCM helicopters and may ultimately acquire up to 20 aircraft. But is has not yet budgeted for the acquisition, which is expected to begin around 2008, with deliveries starting in 2010 or 2011.
Source: Flight International