South Korea has selected the Sikorsky S-92A+ helicopter to carry its president and other senior government officials, under a deal announced on Friday, 6 November 2026 and reported on Monday, 9 November.

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, will deliver four of the heavy-twin helicopters to the Republic of Korea Air Force under the country's Presidential Helicopter II programme. The aircraft will replace the air force's three early-model S-92 helicopters, which have flown presidential transport missions since 2007, with the changeover taking place progressively from 2031.

The selection extends a relationship that has lasted almost two decades. The Republic of Korea Air Force took delivery of its first S-92 helicopters in 2007 and has relied on the type for head-of-state transport ever since. The new aircraft will continue that role with upgraded engines, a new gearbox and greater payload capacity.

Upgraded engines and gearbox

Compared with the current S-92, the S-92A+ features upgraded GE Aerospace CT7-8A6 engines to improve performance in hot conditions and at altitude, and a new Phase IV main gearbox with an auxiliary lubrication system. Through a gross weight expansion, Sikorsky has increased the helicopter's payload by 1,200 pounds.

The S-92A+ is the next-generation variant of the S-92, a large-cabin helicopter used around the world for offshore energy support, search and rescue, VIP transport and utility work. According to the manufacturer, the in-service S-92 fleet has flown more than 2.6 million flight hours, and 13 countries use the type for head-of-state transport.

In South Korea, S-92 helicopters have also been deployed for search-and-rescue and firefighting missions alongside the Korea Coast Guard and the National Fire Agency, in addition to their presidential transport role.

Equipment fitted in South Korea

Under the agreement, the Korea Aviation Engineering and Maintenance Service, part of Korea Aerospace Industries, will install mission equipment for the new helicopters in South Korea. The contract with Sikorsky also covers that equipment, as well as spare parts and field service support.

Sikorsky is building the new aircraft at its facilities in Stratford, Connecticut, and Owego, New York, and is increasing production of the S-92A+ to up to 12 aircraft a year.

Lockheed Martin said its partnership with the Republic of Korea spans more than 70 years, including the Black Hawk, Seahawk and S-92 helicopter programmes. Wonik Lee, Lockheed Martin's country executive for South Korea, said the company was deeply honoured by the selection and confident the S-92A+ would continue supporting the presidential transport mission with the highest standards of safety and reliability.

The four new helicopters will give South Korea a larger presidential fleet than the three aircraft they replace, and the programme marks one of the most significant rotorcraft decisions in the country in recent years.