Upgraded S-92A+ will replace the Republic of Korea Air Force’s existing presidential helicopter fleet, bringing enhanced engine performance, increased payload capacity and a new main gearbox.
South Korea has selected Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, to supply its next-generation presidential helicopter, choosing the upgraded S-92A+ for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) Presidential Helicopter II program.
The selection marks another milestone in the long-standing defense and aerospace partnership between South Korea and the United States. The program builds on nearly two decades of ROKAF experience operating the S-92 helicopter for presidential transport missions.
According to Sikorsky, the selection covers four S-92A+ helicopters. The aircraft will incorporate upgraded systems and mission equipment designed to improve performance, operational flexibility and payload capability for South Korea’s head-of-state transport requirements.
The ROKAF received three S-92 helicopters in 2007 and has relied on the aircraft for presidential transport for almost 20 years.
Beyond the presidential mission, the S-92 family has also supported a range of public-service operations in South Korea. These include search-and-rescue missions conducted by the Korea Coast Guard, as well as firefighting and other emergency-response activities for the National 119 Rescue Headquarters under the National Fire Agency.
The new S-92A+ selection therefore builds on an established operational relationship rather than introducing an entirely unfamiliar platform.
The S-92A+ is an upgraded development of Sikorsky’s established S-92 helicopter. For presidential and VIP transport, the platform offers long-range capability, all-weather performance and a spacious, quiet cabin designed for executive travel.
The latest variant introduces several important improvements:
Upgraded engines to enhance aircraft performance.
Phase IV main gearbox, incorporating an updated transmission system.
Increased payload or fuel capacity, providing greater flexibility for different mission requirements.
Enhanced mission flexibility, supporting the demanding operational needs of presidential transport.
These upgrades are intended to improve the helicopter's capability while retaining the established characteristics of the S-92 platform.
An important element of the program is the involvement of South Korea's domestic aerospace industry.
Korea Aviation Engineering & Maintenance Service (KAEMS), a subsidiary of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), will undertake in-country mission equipment completion for the S-92A+ helicopters.
The contract also includes additional special mission equipment, sustainment support, critical spare parts and field-service representation.
This arrangement is expected to strengthen local aerospace participation while supporting the long-term maintenance and operational readiness of the presidential helicopter fleet.
The S-92 has established a substantial international presence across several demanding aviation sectors, including offshore energy transportation, search and rescue, head-of-state transport and VIP operations.
Sikorsky reports that the global fleet has accumulated more than 2.6 million flight hours, with over 300 helicopters delivered across 28 countries. The manufacturer also cites an average lifetime availability rate exceeding 90%.
The S-92 platform is also the basis for the VH-92A Patriot, operated by the U.S. Marine Corps for the American presidential helicopter mission. Sikorsky's presidential transport heritage dates back to 1957, when its helicopters began serving U.S. presidents.
The South Korean selection comes as Sikorsky increases production capacity for the upgraded helicopter.
Manufacturing activity is being expanded at the company's facilities in Stratford, Connecticut, and Owego, New York, with capacity to produce up to 12 S-92A+ helicopters annually.
The production expansion reflects Sikorsky's efforts to modernize the S-92 family and support both new customers and existing operators.
Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky have maintained a defense and aerospace relationship with South Korea for more than 70 years, spanning program involving Black Hawk, Seahawk and S-92 helicopters.
The S-92A+ selection reinforces that relationship while providing the ROKAF with an upgraded aircraft for one of its most sensitive aviation responsibilities.
With improved systems, increased mission flexibility and domestic industrial participation through KAEMS, the program represents a significant step in the modernization of South Korea's presidential air transport capability.
The selection also underlines the continuing role of the S-92 family in specialized government and executive aviation missions worldwide.
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