[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] This Year’s First Export of Surion Helicopter Planned

Order Competition Targeting Southeast Asia Including Indonesia and Vietnam

Attention is focused on whether the domestically produced multipurpose helicopter Surion (KUH-1) will embark on an export path this year. If exports to Southeast Asian countries are successful, it will mark Surion's first export and bring Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop one step closer to this year's defense export target of $20 billion (approximately 26.22 trillion KRW).

According to the aviation industry on the 8th, Vietnam and Indonesia, currently in tense relations with China, have shown interest in Surion. An aviation industry official said, "A full-scale order battle will unfold at the International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX 2023), which started on the 7th."

Vietnam has relied on Russia for more than 70% of its imported weapons. The two countries have maintained close defense relations since Russia supported North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. However, a year after the U.S. lifted its ban on arms sales to Vietnam, in 2017, the U.S. and South Korea emerged as suppliers of weapons to Vietnam, reducing Vietnam's dependence on Russian weapons to 60%. In particular, Vietnam has been actively cooperating with South Korea as Russia has faced difficulties supplying parts following the Ukraine war. Former State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc held a summit with President Yoon Suk-yeol in December last year to discuss expanding defense cooperation.

Indonesia possesses about 200 helicopters for military and official use, which are reportedly in urgent need of replacement due to aging. If Surion is exported to Indonesia, it will become the third export-type aircraft following the KT-1 and T-50. However, although Indonesia announced a $125 billion (approximately 171.6 trillion KRW) military modernization plan in 2021, its financial situation is not abundant. Indonesia has participated in the development project of the Korean fighter KF-21 Boramae (Indonesian name IF-X) but has delayed payment.

Surion is the first domestically developed utility helicopter in South Korea. Manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Surion is a compound word combining ‘Suri,’ meaning raptor, and ‘On,’ meaning 100, symbolizing a brave helicopter. With the development of Surion, South Korea became the 11th country in the world to develop a helicopter. Surion can carry a fully armed squad (9 personnel). It can fly up to 450 km at a speed of 260 km/h and transport cargo up to 3.7 tons. It is equipped with an automatic defense system that raises an alarm and deploys missile decoys when detected by enemy surface-to-air missiles or radar, enhancing survivability. Notably, key parts such as the cockpit and engine are bulletproof, and the fuel tank has a self-sealing function that can seal holes caused by bullets.

Some predict that competition for helicopter procurement projects may intensify as Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines increase imports of U.S.-made weapons in response to recent security threats from China. When Philippine President Duterte rode the Surion at the Yongsan Ministry of Defense parade ground in June 2018, the atmosphere was favorable, but ultimately, the U.S.-made Black Hawk was chosen. A government official said, "Various mission helicopters derived from Surion, such as mine countermeasure helicopters and Marineon, are under development, so the potential for future arms exports is significant."