Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Korean Air Lines have submitted bids for the upgrade of the South Korean military’s fleet of UH-60P Black Hawk helicopters.
Only 36 of the country’s fleet of 144 UH-60Ps will reportedly be upgraded under the 961.3-billion-won ($654-million) project.
The aircraft to be upgraded belong to South Korea’s Special Operations Forces, while the rest, inducted in the 1990s, will be retired at the end of their service lives.
Aircraft Upgrade
The upgrade is intended to enhance the aircraft’s operational capabilities through more modern, digital avionics and additional fuselage systems.
An upgraded aircraft is expected to perform independent, air infiltration missions for special operations and combat search and rescue units.
The aircraft is also expected to add 20 years to its service life through the upgrade, which is expected to last seven years.
Bids
Both companies have formed partnerships for the project, the winner of which is expected to be announced by the end of April.
KAI has partnered with American Sikorsky Aircraft, Israeli Elbit Systems, and South Korean Hanwha Systems.
Korean Air Lines, meanwhile, has formed an alliance with South Korean LIG Nex1 and Collins Aerospace.
