Seoul, South Korea – South Korea has selected Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky S-92A+ for its next-generation presidential helicopter fleet under the Presidential Helicopter II (Command Helicopter-II) programme. The decision was announced on November 6, 2026, following approval by the 179th Defense Projects Promotion Committee.
The programme has a total budget of approximately 873 billion won and covers the acquisition of four helicopters. The new aircraft are expected to enter service from 2031, replacing the three S-92 helicopters that the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has operated for presidential transport since 2007.
Domestic Integration and Technology Upgrades
South Korea’s Korea Aviation Engineering & Maintenance Service (KAEMS), a subsidiary of Korea Aerospace Industries, will carry out mission equipment installation in South Korea for three of the four helicopters. The agreement also includes specialised mission equipment, spare parts, on-site technical support and long-term maintenance services.
The S-92A+ is an upgraded version of the existing S-92. It features improved General Electric engines designed to deliver better performance in high-temperature and high-altitude conditions, along with a new Phase IV main gearbox.
The upgraded gearbox includes an auxiliary lubrication system that provides additional protection if the primary lubrication system fails, giving the crew more time to reach a safe landing location.
These improvements, combined with structural upgrades, increase the helicopter's maximum gross weight and provide approximately 1,200 pounds of additional useful load compared with earlier configurations. This allows operators to carry more fuel or a heavier payload, depending on mission requirements.
S-92 Global Operations and Production
The S-92 platform has accumulated more than 2.6 million flight hours across its global fleet, with an average lifetime availability rate above 90%. More than 300 aircraft have been delivered to operators in 28 countries.
The platform also serves as the basis for the US Marine Corps' VH-92A Patriot, which performs presidential transport missions. In South Korea, S-92 helicopters are also used by the Korea Coast Guard for search-and-rescue operations and by the National Fire Agency for firefighting and emergency response.
Sikorsky is expanding S-92A+ production at its facilities in Stratford, Connecticut, and Owego, New York, with an annual production capacity of up to 12 helicopters.
Wonik Lee, Lockheed Martin's South Korea country executive, welcomed the selection, saying the S-92A+ would build on the South Korean Air Force's long experience with the platform and continue supporting presidential transport with safety and reliability.
The selection also extends the defence partnership between South Korea and Lockheed Martin, which spans more than 70 years and includes Black Hawk, Seahawk and S-92 helicopter programmes. Other candidates considered during the selection process included the Airbus H225M, Leonardo AW101 and Bell 525.
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