Lockheed Martin "CH-53K to be produced in Korea if selected for special operations helicopter"

Press Conference... "Joint Development of Parts and Promotion of Exports"

The world's largest defense contractor, Lockheed Martin of the United States, and its subsidiary Sikorsky have stated that if selected as the supplier for the South Korean military's special operations helicopter project, they could undertake the assembly and production of the helicopter in South Korea.

Director Frank Krisapuli presenting at the Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky Media Day event. (Photo by Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky held a press briefing in Seoul on the 12th, stating, "We are continuously evolving our relationship with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). (If selected for the special operations helicopter project) we are discussing assembling everything in Korea."

Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky signed a strategic partnership with KAI last October to participate in the Korean special operations helicopter project with their helicopter CH-53K, known as the 'King Stallion.'

Frank Krisapuli, Sikorsky's Director of Overseas Business, emphasized, "We aim not only to perform final assembly here but also to jointly develop parts and export them," adding, "This is not just to meet offset requirements but to fully realize the aircraft's potential."

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration is conducting a project to procure about 10 large special operations helicopters through overseas purchases by 2031, with a reported target of securing 18 units. Boeing, which proposed an upgraded version of the large transport helicopter CH-47 'Chinook' currently operated by the South Korean military, is being challenged by Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky with the CH-53K. The CH-53K offers superior performance compared to the CH-47 but is more expensive.

Rendering image of Sikorsky CH-53K® helicopter (Photo by Lockheed Martin)

Director Krisapuli remarked, "(The South Korean government) may need to increase the budget somewhat," indicating an unwillingness to compromise on price. He stated that the CH-53K can support all military missions including special operations, troop insertion and extraction, search and rescue, air assault, and medical evacuation. He also emphasized that its digital design allows for easy upgrades to proactively respond to new threats.

A scene was also revealed showing the CH-53K flying while receiving aerial refueling with an F-35 fighter jet suspended by wire, demonstrating its diverse operational capabilities. Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky proposed the 'X2' model as the next-generation high-speed medium transport helicopter, featuring two main rotors arranged vertically.

The South Korean military is seeking a new helicopter to replace the Sikorsky UH-60, well known as the 'Black Hawk.' Sikorsky highlighted the X2's strengths, including a cruising speed exceeding 370 km/h (200 knots), low-noise flight, and a turning radius about half that of the Black Hawk.