The US and South Korea have agreed to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for US Army Chinook heavy lift helicopters based in the East Asian country using local defense contractors.
The pilot program, led by a bilateral committee to address military logistics requirements between the countries, is expected to boost the combat readiness of their respective armed forces while bolstering Seoul’s local defense industry.
It supports Washington’s broader effort announced last year to optimize and expand regional MRO capabilities for joint and allied forces on a global scale.
The US Army’s CH-47 Chinooks in South Korea are operated by the 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, under the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division.
The unit is stationed at Desiderio Army Airfield in Camp Humphreys, the largest overseas US military installation, located in Pyeongtaek.
Known as the “Nightmare” battalion, the unit’s Chinooks support troop and cargo transport, joint drills, and rapid response missions, reinforcing American-South Korean combat readiness across the peninsula.
Hanwha a Potential Partner
While the US and South Korea have not officially named which firms will handle the MROs of the Chinook’s T55 turboshaft engines, Hanwha Aerospace told Yonhap News it is currently the only company in-country with the necessary expertise and facilities.
In a LinkedIn statement, Hanwha welcomed the decision to establish South Korea as the regional hub for T55 engine maintenance under the Pentagon’s regional sustainment framework, calling it a strategic step forward for both nations.
The company’s plant in Changwon, Gyeongsang, currently manages multiple international certifications including one from the US Federal Aviation Administration.
“As South Korea’s sole specialized aircraft engine company, Hanwha Aerospace will not only actively contribute to strengthening the South Korea-US alliance based on 46 years of technical expertise, but also work to secure future growth by expanding into the global MRO business,” a Hanwha official said.
Hanwha’s maritime subsidiary has previously overhauled the US Navy Military Sealift Command dry cargo ship USNS Wally Schirra and won additional contracts for the USNS Yukon and USNS Charles Drew in 2025.
