Moon Geum-ju “Korea Forest Service, 81% Operation Rate of Helicopters for Wildfire Suppression”

Main Aircraft Grounded Due to Shortage of Russian Parts
"Concerns Over Wildfire Prevention Gap... Prompt Consultation with Ministry of National Defense"

Assemblyman Moon Geum-ju

The Korea Forest Service owns 48 helicopters for wildfire suppression, but only 39 are operational, resulting in an operation rate of 81%, raising concerns about gaps in wildfire prevention efforts.

According to the National Assembly inspection data submitted to Moon Geum-ju, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Goheung, Boseong, Jangheung, and Gangjin), the operation rate of wildfire suppression helicopters owned by the Korea Forest Service is at a low level of 81%.

The main model for wildfire suppression helicopters is the Russian-made Kamov, accounting for 60%. However, due to helicopter aging, the Russia-Ukraine war, and deteriorating national relations, equipment supply has been disrupted, leading to a significant increase in cases where parts could not be replaced?from 8 cases last year to 26 this year. As a result, only 21 out of 29 Kamov helicopters are operational.

To address the Kamov helicopter shortfall, the Korea Forest Service leased 7 helicopters from Austria and the United States this year. A temporary budget of 36.9 billion KRW was allocated for leasing costs, of which 24.8 billion KRW has been spent, causing unintended additional expenses. In fact, the leasing cost alone could have purchased one new helicopter (medium-sized at 33 billion KRW, large-sized at 55 billion KRW).

The problem is that there are no signs of improvement in relations with Russia for the time being, raising doubts about whether future wildfire suppression responses can be properly carried out.

Assemblyman Moon stated, “As wildfires become more frequent and larger year-round due to climate change, strengthening wildfire suppression capabilities is urgent, but the Korea Forest Service’s measures are insufficient,” adding, “They must promptly consult with the Ministry of National Defense, which owns the most helicopters domestically, to ensure no gaps occur in wildfire suppression operations.”

He also emphasized, “In preparation for difficulties in aerial wildfire suppression, related equipment should be expanded in advance so that joint suppression can also be conducted on the ground.”