Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk
Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin's naval helicopter for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, called 'Romeo'.
South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration approved 3.24 trillion won (about US$2.4bn) on 15 September 2026 for 20 more MH-60R Seahawks, bought off the shelf through US Foreign Military Sales to replace the navy's ageing Lynx helicopters by 2032.
Last refreshed: 1 October 2026
Timeline for Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk
DAPA approves VTOL drone for Korean army
Drones: Industry & DefenceBackground
The Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk, known as the 'Romeo', is a naval helicopter built for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. Sikorsky developed it, with Lockheed Martin, which owns Sikorsky, integrating the mission systems. Prototypes first flew in December 1999, and the US Navy deployed the type in 2006.
Export customers include South Korea, India, Australia, Norway, Spain and Greece. Seoul's approval on 15 September 2026 adds 20 aircraft in a project running to 2032, replacing the Lynx helicopters that fly from its destroyers and frigates.
The Romeo purchase shows how South Korea splits its defence buying. The same DAPA committee meeting approved a ten-year domestic research programme for a vertical take-off Army reconnaissance drone, while the navy's helicopters came as an import because Seoul buys abroad when it needs a capability soon.