The Korea Forest Service announced on the 17th that it plans to additionally introduce six firefighting helicopters this year, including three domestic and three American-made units. Previously, it had mainly imported Russian helicopters, but due to difficulties in acquiring them amid the Russia-Ukraine war, it is now pursuing the introduction of domestic and American helicopters.
The Korea Forest Service plans to additionally introduce a total of six firefighting helicopters this year, including three medium-sized and three large helicopters. The expense for acquiring these helicopters will be funded using the supplementary budget of 400 billion won established in May.
The bidding for large helicopters has been underway since early this month, but it is said that only American helicopter manufacturers are likely to participate. Large firefighting helicopters must have a water capacity of over 5,000 liters. There are reportedly no domestic manufacturers capable of meeting this requirement.
Medium helicopter bidding, which could start as early as this week, is expected to include Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The water capacity of the firefighting helicopter 'Surion' manufactured by KAI is approximately 2,000 liters. A Korea Forest Service official noted, "While American helicopter manufacturers also have medium helicopters, they have rarely participated in medium helicopter bidding." It has been suggested that there is a high possibility for domestic companies to supply medium helicopters to the Korea Forest Service.
Meanwhile, the Korea Forest Service has primarily imported Russian firefighting helicopters, considering factors like expense. Among the 50 helicopters currently in its possession, 58% (29 units) are of the Russian KA-32 model, which has a water capacity of 3,000 liters. However, due to the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, it is reported that acquiring not only helicopters but also parts has become difficult. In response, the Korea Forest Service is pursuing the introduction of domestic and American helicopters.