South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Committee has approved a plan to acquire additional Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters under the country’s efforts to strengthen naval aviation capabilities. The program is valued at approximately 3.24 trillion won ($2.4 billion).
The US State Department has previously approved a proposed Foreign Military Sale of 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to South Korea, with an estimated value of $3 billion.
South Korea currently operates the MH-60R after ordering 12 helicopters in December 2020 through the US Foreign Military Sales program under the Marine Operation Helicopter (MOH) I project. By November 2025, the Republic of Korea Navy had received six aircraft. The first two helicopters were formally deployed for operational missions on April 1, 2026, with the remaining aircraft scheduled to enter service progressively.
The additional helicopters will be acquired under the MOH II program, which is scheduled to continue through 2032. The procurement is intended to replace the navy’s aging Lynx helicopter fleet while enhancing its anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities and extending maritime mission endurance.
South Korea previously acquired 25 Mk 99 Lynx and Mk 99A Super Lynx helicopters during the 1990s. These aircraft were equipped with systems including dipping sonar and radar to support submarine detection and maritime operations.
MH-60R Seahawk Capabilities
The twin-engine MH-60R Seahawk, commonly known as the “Romeo,” is a multi-mission naval helicopter primarily designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. Its secondary missions include search and rescue, maritime surveillance, communications relay, naval gunfire support, logistics, personnel transport and medical evacuation.
The helicopter is equipped with a range of mission systems, including multimode radar, electronic support measures, electro-optical/infrared sensors, tactical datalinks, dipping sonar, sonobuoys and aircraft survivability equipment.
For offensive missions, the MH-60R can employ weapons such as lightweight torpedoes, air-to-surface missiles and rockets against maritime and other designated targets.
The Seahawk measures approximately 64.83 feet (19.76 meters) in length and has a maximum takeoff weight of 23,500 pounds (10,682 kilograms). Its propulsion system consists of two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines, each delivering approximately 1,890 shaft horsepower (1,410 kilowatts).
The MH-60R can reach a maximum cruise speed of around 140 knots (260 km/h or 161 mph), has a service ceiling of approximately 19,000 feet (5,800 meters), and can achieve mission endurance of about 3.3 hours when configured for anti-surface warfare operations.
The planned MOH II acquisition will expand South Korea’s MH-60R fleet and further modernize its naval helicopter force, providing the Republic of Korea Navy with an advanced platform for maritime surveillance, anti-submarine operations and surface warfare missions.
