Korea Picks European Firm for Helicopter Contract

The Korean government has chosen a European firm to develop a new helicopter for the ROK military. The ROK Army is in need of new helicopters because their military is still using the old but reliable Vietnam era Huey helicopters. The European firm was chosen according to the article because they met the required specifications:

The decision is a fresh departure from practice that has seen the U.S. enjoy a de-facto monopoly in Korean defense procurement, with sources saying the ministry did not take political factors like Korea’s long-standing alliance with the U.S. into consideration. A committee member said only Eurocopter’s proposal met its standards.

Looking at the concept picture of the helicopter it looks like the offspring of if a US Blackhawk and a Russian Hoplite had a one night stand. IMHO I would feel more comfortable with a combat proven Blackhawk than a European copter that has yet to be built.