Iraq bought a South Korean helicopter

Iraq bought a South Korean helicopter. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)'s Surion, the first helicopter developed in Korea, has succeeded in exporting for the first time. The target country is Iraq, with exports of about 135.7 billion won.

Earlier, in 2013, Baghdad purchased 24 FA-50 light attack aircraft in the T-50IQ modification from KAI. In September 2024, a $2.8 billion contract was signed with the South Korean company LIG Nex1 for the supply of Cheongung-II medium-range air defense systems (M-SAM II) to strengthen the country's air defense.

Iraq acquires new helicopters against the backdrop of the sudden decommissioning of the Mi-8/17 due to the lack of spare parts and maintenance, which therefore require replacement. In September 2024, 12 units of the H225M Caracal were purchased from Airbus at an estimated cost of $35 million.

KUH-1 Surion is the first South Korean medium multipurpose helicopter, created in cooperation with the European company Eurocopter, which is now part of Airbus.