[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Russia Passes the Helicopter Again

The KA-32 forest helicopter is extinguishing a wildfire.

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Russia is once again challenging the domestic helicopter business. There are concerns that this could hinder the development of the aviation industry, as helicopters developed with domestic technology are already in production.

According to the aviation industry on the 15th, in the 1990s, when Russia was suffering from a shortage of foreign currency, our government decided to provide a loan of 1.6 trillion won. In return, Russia proposed to repay with weapons and military technology. This project came to be known as the so-called ‘Bulgom Project’.

In the first phase of the Bulgom Project, Russia delivered 33 T-80U tanks and 9K115-1 (Metis-M) infantry portable anti-tank missiles to our military. In the second phase, instead of the submarines requested by our government, Russia provided three hovercrafts and 23 primary training aircraft for the Air Force. At this time, the Ka-32 coaxial contra-rotating helicopter was also added. Subsequently, the Korea Coast Guard, regional fire departments, and the Korea National Park Service also began to introduce the Ka-32.

However, problems arose. Over time, the operational rate declined. It reached 79.5% in 2015 but dropped to 76.4% in 2016 and 74.4% in 2017. More than 60% of the operating budget for KA-32 helicopters used for wildfire suppression is spent on maintenance costs. Accidents also continued. In 2009, a KA-32 helicopter belonging to the then Forest Aviation Headquarters crashed during water collection training in Yeongam, Jeonnam, killing three people. In 2017, an emergency landing in Samcheok, Gangwon, resulted in casualties. The following year, in 2018, a KA-32 crashed into the Han River while collecting water for wildfire suppression.

Russia plans to repay the remaining loan amount of 680 billion won with KA-32 helicopters. Recently, it is rumored that Mr. Jo, a former head of the Forest Aviation Headquarters, is active using a company while on duty, targeting domestic institutions.

Last October, Russian news agency TASS reported that the Korean Minister of Strategy and Finance discussed repaying the remaining loan with helicopters. At that time, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance stated in a press release, "We explained to the Russian side that there are concerns about excessive maintenance and parts supply costs for Russian helicopters in Korea, and we are seeking ways to reduce maintenance costs by designating additional domestic companies capable of maintaining and supplying parts for Russian helicopters."

Some argue that instead of repaying with helicopters, advanced technology or COVID-19 vaccines should be received. According to TASS, Russia recently developed the COVID-19 vaccine ‘Sputnik V’.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung also said last month, "The Russian vaccine can be produced under contract domestically, and if safety is verified, it is cheap, easy to obtain, and can be an alternative, but it is tabooed due to factional conflicts." He added, "We should not be swayed by factions when it comes to the life and safety of the people. I have already contacted the Blue House to request a review."