The Republic of Korea Navy is set to receive its first MH-60R Seahawk helicopter next month as part of a broader effort to strengthen anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities amid growing maritime threats from North Korea.
South Korea approved a 960 billion-won ($667.6 million) procurement deal in 2020 to acquire 12 Seahawks from U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin.
The first helicopter is scheduled to arrive in February, with the remaining aircraft set to be delivered in phases by the end of the year, according to an official from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
Once delivered, the Seahawks will undergo field tests and other pre-deployment procedures before entering operational service next year, a Navy official confirmed. The helicopters are expected to significantly improve the Navy’s ability to detect and counter North Korean submarine activity, working in coordination with South Korea’s P-8A maritime patrol aircraft.
The MH-60R is equipped with advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) systems, including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Mark 54 lightweight torpedoes, and a dipping sonar system. Compared to the Lynx and AW159 Wildcat helicopters currently in service, the Seahawks offer longer flight endurance and enhanced operational capabilities.
North Korea operates an estimated fleet of approximately 70 submarines, many of which are older models. However, Pyongyang has recently focused on modernizing its undersea forces, unveiling what it claimed to be a tactical nuclear attack submarine in 2023.
With tensions in the region persisting, the introduction of the MH-60R Seahawks is expected to enhance South Korea’s naval deterrence and bolster its ability to track and counter submarine threats in its surrounding waters.