A CH-47 Chinook helicopter operated by the Korea Forest Service, originally built by Boeing as a military aircraft and later converted into a dedicated wildfire-fighting helicopter by Columbia Helicopters. The induction ceremony was held at the Korea Forest Aviation Headquarters and featured a live-firefighting demonstration. The drill simulated a real wildfire scenario, showcasing the full operational sequence—from helicopter takeoff and water intake to low-level approach and precision water drops—using the newly introduced Chinook alongside a KA-32 medium helicopter. The exercise highlighted the agency’s enhanced readiness ahead of the spring wildfire season.
The newly acquired aircraft is a Chinook helicopter originally built and operated as a military platform by Boeing, later converted into a specialized firefighting helicopter by Columbia Helicopters. The aircraft can carry up to 10,000 liters of water in a single sortie and reaches a top speed of 259 km/h, significantly boosting initial attack capability and helping contain fires before they spread.
Equipped with advanced systems such as night vision goggles (NVG) and thermal imaging cameras, the Chinook enables precise and safe water drops even during nighttime operations. This capability is expected to dramatically improve response times and effectiveness in challenging conditions, including reduced visibility and rugged terrain.
Lee Yong-kwon, Director of Forest Disaster Control at the Korea Forest Service, said the agency will continue expanding its fleet of heavy-lift and multi-purpose forest helicopters. “As climate-driven disasters intensify and wildfires grow larger and more simultaneous, we are committed to building a proactive and robust aerial firefighting system capable of responding decisively,” he noted.
With the addition of the Chinook, the Korea Forest Service aims to strengthen national capacity to combat large-scale wildfires and reduce damage to forests, communities, and critical infrastructure.
K-DEFENSE NEWS | Strategic Analysis Desk
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