Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has secured a performance-based logistics (PBL) contract worth approximately 114.5 billion won for the stable operation of the Marine Corps' amphibious assault helicopter (MUH-1).
KAI announced on October 8 that it signed the PBL contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration for the MUH-1. The contract runs from this month until December 2031.
The MUH-1 is a specialized helicopter developed for operations at sea and on ships. It has been in service with the Marine Corps since 2017, performing amphibious operations and air transport missions.
Through this contract, KAI plans to proactively manage the parts and maintenance elements necessary for the operation of the MUH-1 and ensure timely supply of military supplies.
PBL moves beyond simply supplying parts to establish a follow-up support system based on operational performance metrics such as aircraft availability and maintenance reliability.
KAI has expanded its PBL projects since 2010, starting with the KT-1 and including the T-50 series, KF-21, Surion, and Miron. The company has also signed PBL contracts for the FA-50 in the Philippines in 2024 and the T-50 in Thailand last year, broadening its follow-up support business. Last year, KAI's annual orders for follow-up support projects, including PBL and major repairs, exceeded 1 trillion won.
KAI plans to expand its follow-up support business for over 1,000 of its aircraft and develop it as a core business area.
Song Ho-cheol, Vice President of KAI's Production and Operations Division, stated, "We will focus our 15 years of follow-up support experience and capabilities to ensure that the aircraft operated by the Korean Marine Corps performs at its best."
Meanwhile, KAI completed the development of the Marine Corps' attack helicopter (MAH) system in August. Following a combat suitability assessment in July, the system development has been finalized, with production expected to begin next year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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