South Korea Chinook Overhaul: U.S. Army Turns to Seoul for T55 Engine Maintenance
The South Korea Chinook overhaul initiative marks a significant milestone in U.S.–South Korea defense cooperation. The U.S. Army has announced that its CH-47 Chinook helicopters will undergo depot-level maintenance in South Korea, specifically for their T55 turboshaft engines. While the exact company has not been officially named, industry experts point to Hanwha Aerospace as the likely contractor, given its unique in-country capabilities.
Hanwha Aerospace is currently the only South Korean defense firm with the facilities and technical expertise to overhaul T55 engines at a depot level. A company spokesperson emphasized their readiness and experience in managing such complex systems, suggesting that Hanwha is best positioned to fulfill the U.S. Army’s requirements.
This move not only boosts South Korea’s standing as a reliable defense logistics partner but also underscores growing U.S. efforts to regionalize its military supply chains and reduce logistical stress across the Indo-Pacific. It also reflects a deepening trust in South Korea’s aerospace sector, which has rapidly advanced through domestic programs like the KAI KUH-1 Surion and partnerships on global platforms.
For the U.S. Army, outsourcing Chinook engine maintenance to an allied nation provides operational flexibility and supports forward-deployed units in Asia with faster turnaround times. It’s a practical step toward maintaining readiness without relying solely on stateside depot infrastructure.
As geopolitical tensions in the region persist, the South Korea Chinook overhaul program exemplifies how defense collaboration is evolving beyond arms sales into strategic maintenance, support, and long-term sustainment partnerships.
