$71 million contract aims to strengthen the country’s aerial search and rescue capabilities
Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations has announced plans to acquire two South Korean KUH-1 Surion helicopters, manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The purchase is estimated at approximately $71 million and will be financed through a loan granted by the South Korean government.
The new helicopters are expected to significantly enhance the country’s ability to conduct search and rescue operations and to respond to natural disasters.
The aircraft will be delivered to the State Aviation Enterprise, which is responsible for operating other aircraft in the country, including Airbus H125, H145 helicopters, and a Mi-8MTV-1 supplied by Russia in 2023.
It has not yet been officially decided which version of the KUH-1 will be acquired: the KUH-1M, designed for air medical transport (ambulance), or the KUH-1EM, equipped for firefighting and emergency medical support.
Developed in partnership between KAI and Airbus Helicopters, the KUH-1 Surion is a medium-sized utility helicopter designed for multiple civil and military missions. Its versatility, transport capacity, and adaptability to various climates and terrains have made it an increasingly popular choice for international operations.
Source: Notícias da Avia, Telegram @AviaCT Photos: Korea Aerospace Industries
