DAPA approves 3.24 trillion won purchase of 20 more MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to replace Navy Lynx fleet

The Defense Project Promotion Committee of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration approved a plan in mid-September 2026 to acquire 20 additional Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters for about 3.24 trillion won (~$2.4 billion), with deliveries running through 2032. The aircraft will replace the aging Lynx helicopters that operate from Republic of Korea Navy destroyers and frigates, and bring better detection of submarines and surface ships. The purchase is an import through the US government rather than a Korean export, and follows US State Department approval earlier in 2026 of a possible sale of up to 24 MH-60R helicopters to South Korea.