|
In 2013,
the Navy signed a contract to buy eight AgustaWestland Wildcat marine
helicopters for about 400 billion won (US$350 million), he said.
The helicopters, which carry a low-frequency dipping sonar system that
helps it detect and track submarines, will be mounted on frigates or
naval destroyers to be used in search and rescue operations, according
to the Ministry of National Defense.
AgustaWestland is a Britain-Italy joint venture company specialized
in helicopter design and manufacturing.
"Another four Wildcat helicopters are scheduled to arrive by the
end of this year after undergoing a series of tests at home and overseas,"
a Navy spokesman said.
In addition to the eight Wildcats, the Navy plans to spend another 900
billion won ($790 million) to buy 12 more helicopters. But it has not
yet decided on the time frame for the purchase and the manufacturer,
the spokesman said. |
One of the four Wildcat helicopter delivered to the South Korean Navy
at its base in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province (Photo Yonhap News
Agency)