KAI announced on 2026-01-02 that it has signed a contract with the Korean Coast Guard to supply the 11th domestic search-and-rescue helicopter, the White Eagle, in the second half of 2029. ^[1] On July 2, 2026, at approximately 1:29 PM, the 286-ton tugboat TNS Catcher capsized in the sea about 9 kilometers southeast of Oryudo, Busan. ^[2] One South Korean crew member was found unconscious near the hull by the Korean Coast Guard's Central Marine Special Search Team but was later pronounced dead. ^[3] The contract aims to replace the aging Russian-made KA-32 helicopters currently in service with the White Eagle, which is based on the domestic Shurin (KUH-1) platform. ^[4] The Korean Coast Guard is currently conducting search operations for the six remaining missing crew members using vessels and other resources. ^[5] The vessel carried a total of eight crew members: six South Koreans and two Indonesians. ^[6] The White Eagle is equipped with an AESA search radar, electro-optical and infrared cameras, and de-icing systems for winter operations. ^[7] The White Eagle will be used for maritime security, search and rescue, and anti-piracy operations, including transporting emergency patients from island areas to mainland medical facilities. ^[8]