South Korea greenlights purchase of 20 additional Seahawk anti-submarine helicopters

South Korea's defense procurement agency approved a 3.24 trillion-won program to buy roughly 20 additional MH-60R Seahawk helicopters through 2032. The aircraft, produced by Lockheed Martin, can reach speeds of 333 kph and are equipped for anti-submarine, anti-ship warfare and search-and-rescue operations. The navy plans to retire the older Lynx helicopters currently operating from its destroyers and frigates.

Enhanced detection and targeting systems on the Seahawk will improve the fleet's ability to locate underwater and surface threats. The purchase is part of a broader effort to modernize the Republic of Korea Navy's aerial capabilities. Funding and acquisition timelines were.