Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has been selected to supply S-92A+ helicopters to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) under South Korea’s Presidential Helicopter II program.
The selection covers four helicopters. Lockheed Martin has not disclosed the contract value or a delivery schedule.
South Korea has allocated approximately 873 billion won ($643 million) to the broader procurement program, according to local reporting. The program runs through 2031, when the ROKAF is expected to begin replacing its existing presidential helicopters. The overall budget should not be confused with the value of Sikorsky’s contract.
Beyond the aircraft themselves, Sikorsky will provide special mission equipment and sustainment support, including critical spare parts and field service representatives. Korea Aviation Engineering & Maintenance Service (KAEMS), a subsidiary of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), will handle mission equipment installation in South Korea.
South Korea to replace presidential S-92 helicopters delivered in 2007
The ROKAF took delivery of three S-92 helicopters in 2007 and has used them for presidential transport ever since.
Other South Korean government operators also fly the type. The Korea Coast Guard uses the S-92 for search and rescue, while the National 119 Rescue Headquarters, part of the National Fire Agency, operates it for firefighting and rescue missions.
The S-92 also serves as the basis for the US Marine Corps’ VH-92A Patriot presidential helicopter. The Marine Corps accepted the 23rd and final VH-92A in August 2024, and the type carried President Joe Biden as Marine One for the first time on August 19, 2024.
Wonik Lee, Lockheed Martin’s country executive for South Korea, stressed that the selection reflected the two countries’ longstanding defense partnership and industrial cooperation, highlighting KAEMS’ participation in the program.
What changes with the Sikorsky S-92A+?
According to Lockheed Martin, the S-92A+ features upgraded engines, a new Phase IV main gearbox, and increased payload or fuel capacity when compared with earlier S-92 variants.
The upgraded GE CT7-8A6 engines and structural reinforcements increase the helicopter’s maximum gross weight to 27,700 pounds (12,565 kilograms), enabling it to carry an additional 1,200 pounds (544 kilograms) of payload or fuel.
The Phase IV gearbox auxiliary lubrication system is designed to allow the helicopter to complete a flight safely following a loss of primary oil pressure.
Sikorsky announced preparations for its first S-92A+ production batch in March 2026, following an order for two aircraft from an unnamed country for head-of-state transport. The initial batch was to comprise the two helicopters plus three additional aircraft.
The company claims to be ramping up production in Stratford, Connecticut, and Owego, New York, with capacity for up to 12 S-92A+ helicopters annually.
According to Lockheed Martin, the global S-92 fleet has accumulated more than 2.6 million flight hours, with over 300 helicopters delivered to operators in 28 countries.