South Korea is aiming for the operational deployment of its new MH-60Rs in the first half of 2026. The newly acquired type made its maiden flight in South Korea, earlier this month.
The flight inspection and acceptance inspection of the first Lockheed Martin Sikorsky MH-60R was completed at the Navy’s 2nd Fleet Command, following which it made its first flight with the 62nd Maritime Aviation Squadron under the Naval Aviation Command at the 2nd Fleet.
South Korea had contracted for 12 helicopters in a December 2020 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal. The first helicopter was delivered in December of last year and arrived in South Korea, this February.
"The MH-60R is the new wing of the Republic of Korea Navy. Along with the P-8A Poseidon, which is currently being operationalized, it will stand at the forefront of 'a strong Navy and maritime power' as a core force of naval aviation,” said Ha Seong-wook, Commander of Naval Aviation.
ROKAF Brigadier General Kang Joong-hee (Air Force), head of the Aircraft Business Division of South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), who led this maritime operation helicopter project, said, “Through the introduction of this MH-60R, the Navy’s anti-submarine power and maritime operation capabilities are expected to be greatly strengthened.”
The MH-60R is South Korea’s latest maritime helicopter and will be able to stay in the air for up to 4 hours, detecting and attacking enemy submarines and surface ships from a long distance. The armament contracted by South Korea for its MH-60Rs includes HELLFIRE anti-ship guided missiles and the Mk-54 light ASW torpedo. South Korea’s DAPA also announced that it is also pursuing system integration of the domestically produced BLUE SHARK light torpedo. The MH-60R can also be equipped with 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine guns to suppress small targets.
The operationalisation of South Korean MH-60Rs in the first half of 2026 could not have come a moment too soon. Geopolitical tensions continue to rise, the South Korean military is vital towards maintaining a rules-based order in an increasingly contested region. The ability of the MH-60R to undertake surveillance, detection and strikes on surface and sub-surface will be of vital importance in the region.
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