BAGHDAD (Dispatches) -- The Iraqi Ministry of Defense revealed on Sunday that South Korea has agreed on a timeline for the supply of air defense systems to Iraq in 2026.
The spokesperson for the Iraqi Defense Ministry, Tahsin al-Khafaji, told local media that the delivery of air defense systems is part of deals Iraq reached with countries possessing advanced air defense capabilities, including South Korea.
South Korea has advanced technological systems as well as strong relations with the Iraqi government, according to al-Khafaji.
In December 2024, Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani received officials from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), a South Korean aerospace and defense manufacturer, in Baghdad, where they discussed strategies to enhance Iraq’s air defense systems.
Al-Sudani reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with KAI and utilizing its knowledge and expertise, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The endeavor is in line with the government’s goals to reform Iraq’s security sector and strengthen security forces’ capabilities.
KAI said in December that it had signed a 136 billion won ($93.7 million) deal to provide Iraq with KUH helicopters.
Under the deal, the new helicopters will be delivered to the Iraqi government by March 2029, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency.
The KUH-1 Surion, a medium transport helicopter, was developed by KAI in 2012 to replace the army’s aging fleet of UH-1H and 500MD helicopters.
KAI has developed various aerospace products, including training aircraft, fighter jets, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, satellites, and training systems. 
With the provision of military equipment, such as fighter jets, helicopters, and air defense systems, South Korea is stepping up its attempts to increase its military sales to Iraq.
Experts believe that after Israel attacked Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Qatar, Yemen, and Tunisia this year, most countries in the region are looking to strengthen their air defense systems to protect against the regime’s brutal attacks.