Korean-made HYERI copter ”Surion” exported to Iraq for the first time... Contract worth 135.8 billion won

The first export contract for the Korean maneuverable HYERI copter "Surion" manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has been signed. KAI signed an export contract for the Surion (KUH) with the Iraqi government on the 23rd.
The sales and supply contract was announced. The contract amount is 135.8 billion won (approximately 14.6 billion yen), which is equivalent to 3.6% of KAI's sales revenue last year. The contract period is from March 31 next year to March 3, 2029.
The Surion, which is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year, was first developed as the Army's mobile HYERI helicopter. It has since been used for landing maneuvers, medical transport, maritime police, firefighting, and forestry.
It has evolved into more than 10 different models, including the 1000-km-long fighter, and has proven its reliability and mission capability. Based on this track record, KAI is preparing to enter the global market. Currently, there are 300 units in Korea.
The above Surions are being used as military and public Hyericopters. In 2026, new aircraft will be developed to carry out special missions such as attack and mine detection, including the amphibious attack Hyericopter and minesweeping Hyericopter.
Additional variants are planned to be developed. KAI unveiled the Surion at the Dubai Air Show in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) last year.
As a result, interest from Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian countries, including Iraq, has been growing, and expectations for the first export have been growing.
There were concerns that the domestic political turmoil caused by the impeachment petition by the US would affect the exports of the Korean defense industry. However, the fact that the Surion was exported to Iraq has resolved these concerns.
"We hope this will ease some concerns."