South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has announced a significant milestone in its export operations with a 136 billion-won ($93.7 million) deal to supply Korean Utility Helicopters (KUH-1), known as Surion, to Iraq.
According to a report, KAI will deliver the helicopters to the Iraqi government by March 2029. This deal represents Iraq’s interest in bolstering its defense and operational capabilities with advanced aviation technology.
The KUH Surion, a medium-sized utility helicopter, has been in service with the South Korean Army since 2012. Designed for versatility, the Surion performs a range of missions, including air assault, cargo airlift, and troop transport. Over 200 units are currently operational within South Korea, highlighting its reliability and effectiveness in diverse environments.
KAI emphasized that the export of the KUH marks a significant achievement for the company, which has been working to expand its presence in international defense markets.
South Korea has steadily positioned itself as a key player in global defense exports, with the KUH Surion becoming a centerpiece of its offerings. Iraq’s decision to procure the helicopters reflects confidence in the platform’s performance and adaptability.
The agreement also aligns with Iraq’s broader efforts to modernize its military capabilities amid regional security challenges. The helicopters are expected to enhance Iraq’s operational flexibility, supporting missions ranging from troop transport to disaster relief.
The Surion is part of South Korea’s broader defense export portfolio, which has seen growing success in recent years. KAI’s partnership with Iraq follows a string of high-profile defense deals, including the export of trainer jets and other military platforms to nations worldwide.
This latest contract underscores the increasing demand for South Korean defense products, which are known for their advanced technology and competitive pricing.