Helis, April 02, 2026 - The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has officially inducted the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk maritime warfare helicopter, strengthening its anti-submarine capabilities amid growing underwater threats from North Korea.
The induction ceremony was held at the Naval Air Command in Changwon, as confirmed by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). The first two helicopters are part of a 12-aircraft acquisition approved in 2021 under Seoul’s Maritime Operations Helicopter program. The first MH-60R “Romeo” Seahawk helicopters were delivered to South Korea in December 2024.
The MH-60R fleet will complement the navy’s existing Leonardo AW159 Wildcat helicopters, significantly enhancing operational flexibility and maritime surveillance coverage.
The acquisition is primarily driven by Pyongyang’s expanding submarine capabilities, including ongoing efforts to develop submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) systems. South Korean officials emphasized that the MH-60R provides a decisive technological edge in detecting and tracking both submarines and surface vessels.
Equipped with advanced sensors and interoperable with the United States Navy, the MH-60R can share real-time data via the Link-16 datalink, improving joint operational effectiveness. Its weapons suite includes the AGM-114 Hellfire missile for surface targets and the Mk 54 lightweight torpedo for underwater threats.
The helicopters will operate with the navy’s 62nd Maritime Aviation Squadron and are also capable of performing search and rescue, logistics, and general maritime security missions.
South Korea placed an order worth approximately $664 million for 12 MH-60Rs through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
South Korea Navy Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk
To date, Seoul has received 10 aircraft, with the remaining deliveries pending. Additional procurement is under consideration as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce maritime defense capabilities.
Military officials stated that the MH-60R offers superior endurance, detection range, and strike capability compared to legacy platforms, enabling broader coverage of key maritime areas such as the Sea of Japan.
The deployment comes as North Korea continues to advance its naval capabilities, including the development of nuclear-powered submarines and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, underscoring the strategic importance of enhanced anti-submarine warfare assets for regional security.
The induction ceremony was held at the Naval Air Command in Changwon, as confirmed by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). The first two helicopters are part of a 12-aircraft acquisition approved in 2021 under Seoul’s Maritime Operations Helicopter program. The first MH-60R “Romeo” Seahawk helicopters were delivered to South Korea in December 2024.
The MH-60R fleet will complement the navy’s existing Leonardo AW159 Wildcat helicopters, significantly enhancing operational flexibility and maritime surveillance coverage.
The acquisition is primarily driven by Pyongyang’s expanding submarine capabilities, including ongoing efforts to develop submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) systems. South Korean officials emphasized that the MH-60R provides a decisive technological edge in detecting and tracking both submarines and surface vessels.
Equipped with advanced sensors and interoperable with the United States Navy, the MH-60R can share real-time data via the Link-16 datalink, improving joint operational effectiveness. Its weapons suite includes the AGM-114 Hellfire missile for surface targets and the Mk 54 lightweight torpedo for underwater threats.
The helicopters will operate with the navy’s 62nd Maritime Aviation Squadron and are also capable of performing search and rescue, logistics, and general maritime security missions.
South Korea placed an order worth approximately $664 million for 12 MH-60Rs through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
South Korea Navy Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk
To date, Seoul has received 10 aircraft, with the remaining deliveries pending. Additional procurement is under consideration as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce maritime defense capabilities.
Military officials stated that the MH-60R offers superior endurance, detection range, and strike capability compared to legacy platforms, enabling broader coverage of key maritime areas such as the Sea of Japan.
The deployment comes as North Korea continues to advance its naval capabilities, including the development of nuclear-powered submarines and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, underscoring the strategic importance of enhanced anti-submarine warfare assets for regional security.
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MH-60R Seahawk in
Daehanminguk Haegun 
