Republic of Korea Coast Guard (ROKCG) Aviation

Republic of Korea Coast Guard (ROKCG) Aviation • Daehanminguk Haeyang-gyeongchal

REPUBLIC OF KOREA COAST GUARD • Daehanminguk Haeyang-gyeongchal

Personnel: ε13,500. Status: Operational. Strategy: Maritime law enforcement, search and rescue (SAR), and territorial water protection under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

Forces by Role & Equipment by Type

• AIRCRAFT 6 active platforms.

Maritime Patrol (MPA):

• 4 CASA CN235-110 MPA.
• 1 CASA C-212-400 MP.
  • (Note: These assets provide long-range aerial surveillance and coordination for maritime interdiction).

Tactical Transport / VIP:

• 1 Bombardier CL-604 (Challenger).

• HELICOPTER 19 active airframes.

Search & Rescue (SAR):

• 3 Sikorsky S-92.

Multi-role & Tactical Support:

• 5 Aerospatiale AS565MB Panther.
• 1 Leonardo AW139.

Tactical Transport (Medium):

• 8 Kamov Ka-32 Helix C.
• 2 KAI KUH-1 Surion (White Heron).

• AMPHIBIOUS MANOEUVRE (INTEGRATED SUPPORT)

Utility Craft Air Cushioned (UCAC):

• 8 units: 1 BHT-150; 4 Griffon 470TD; 3 Griffon 8000TD.
  

Principal Coast Guard Combatants (Aviation Capable)

The ROKCG operates a significant number of high-readiness vessels equipped with flight decks and hangars to support rotary-wing operations.

Offshore Patrol Vessels (PSOH/PSO):

• 16 Tae Pung Yang-class (including Lee Cheong-ho and Sambongho) with capacity for 1 medium helicopter.
• 21 Han Kang / Jaemin-class equipped with helicopter landing platforms.;
  
  

Strategic Note: By 2026, the Republic of Korea Coast Guard remains a critical component of the nation's maritime security architecture, operating five regional headquarters and 19 coastguard stations. While the ROK Air Force and Navy have transitioned toward high-end combat platforms like the KF-21 and P-8A Poseidon, the Coast Guard focuses on multi-domain awareness and humanitarian response. The integration of indigenous KUH-1 Surion helicopters alongside European-made AS565 Panthers reflects a balanced procurement strategy designed to enhance rapid response capabilities in the Yellow Sea and the East Sea. The force also maintains a robust surface fleet of over 100 patrol and coastal combatants, many of which are fitted for 76mm guns and helicopter operations to enforce maritime law within South Korea's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).