Amphibious operations helicopter for the Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC), derived from the KUH-1 Surion utility helicopter with significant marinisation modifications. Features folding main rotor blades and tail boom for shipboard storage, corrosion-resistant structure and dynamic components, emergency flotation system, and enhanced navigation systems for overwater operations. Carries 9 fully equipped marines or 2,700 kg of cargo with external sling capability. Armed with door-mounted 12.7mm machine guns and provisions for rocket pods. Powered by twin GE T700-701K turboshaft engines. Designed to operate from Dokdo-class amphibious assault ships and future LPH platforms. The ROKMC ordered 40 Marineon helicopters to replace aging UH-1H fleet, with deliveries ongoing.
![Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) logo](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="200" height="60" viewBox="0 0 200 60"><rect width="200" height="60" fill="%23111"/><text x="100" y="38" font-family="Arial" font-weight="bold" font-size="22" fill="%23c8a84b" text-anchor="middle">KAI</text></svg>)
- Marinized version of Surion for naval and amphibious operations
- Corrosion-resistant design for salt water environment
- Compatible with South Korean LPH Dokdo deck operations
- Domestic Korean manufacture reduces foreign dependency
- Twin-engine reliability for maritime operations
- Not an ASW platform — limited anti-submarine capability
- Subsonic speed limits emergency response range
- Smaller fleet than MH-60 operators — limited logistics network
- CT7 engine is foreign — supply chain dependency
- Export market limited given established alternatives (NH90, UH-60)
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