KAI, or Korea Aerospace Industries, received a contract from South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for the procurement of 30 KUH-1 Surion Helicopters in amphibious variant. The helicopters, to be delivered between 2017 and 2023 will help enhance the range of operation and mobility for the ROK Marine Corps, specifically from ROK Navy Dokdo class LPH.
KAI started the navalization project in 2013 to produce a sea-based version of the twin-engine transport utility helicopter for the Marines, which will carry out transport missions from or to vessels at sea. Since its maiden flight in January 2014, KAI conducted eight months of test flights and achieved qualification on the new helicopter's capability to operate in the marine environment.
Read the full story at Navy Recognition