DAPA Initiates Development of S.Korea’s Minesweeper Helicopter Project

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) signed a contract with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) on Thursday to develop a small minesweeper helicopter.

This initial contract for the development is worth KRW 347.7 billion ($272 million) and will be performed over the next four years.

As a result of the proposal evaluation last October, KAI was selected as the negotiating partner. After about two months of negotiations, the contract was finalized in December.

When this system development project is completed, a minesweeper helicopter battalion will be established in the Navy by 2030.

“With the development of minesweeper helicopters through this project, the Navy will be able to conduct minesweeper operations quickly and three-dimensionally, and more than 99% of national import and export cargoes will be transported through maritime trade. It is expected to be a core weapon system that can protect ports and maritime traffic routes,” said Head of Aircraft Business Division of DAPA Air Force Brigadier General Kim Jong-tae.