South Korea plans to acquire another two Kazan Ansat and two Kamov Ka-32 utility helicopters this year as part of a debt-repayment programme with Russia.
Industry sources say the two Ansat helicopters will be delivered next year to South Korea's forest aviation service. The service is already poised to become the launch customer of the 3,330kg (7,340lb) Ansat civil variant, with the delivery of two aircraft set for November. These aircraft, along with one for South Korea's police, were acquired last year (Flight International, 11-17 November 2003).
The additional Ka-32s will be delivered next year to South Korea's firefighting service, which already operates over 30 of the type. Kamov is now installing new Israeli cockpits in several of these aircraft as part of the Russian-South Korean debt repayment programme.
Russia has been offering helicopters to South Korea for several years in exchange for reducing its debt. But Russia has indicated it will be able to pay back its debt in cash, starting next year, which will allow several government operators to switch to Western aircraft types. Kamov and Kazan, however, hope they can continue selling into South Korea.
Source: Flight International
