The development of the Amphibious Assault Helicopter (MAH), designed to support Marine Corps operations, has been completed. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) plans to proceed with follow-up procedures aiming for production to begin in 2027.
DAPA held a completion ceremony for the helicopter system development on October 28 at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province. Key officials from the Ministry of National Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Marine Corps, and foreign military attaches in South Korea attended the event.
The development of the Amphibious Assault Helicopter began in October 2022, with the first test flight successfully conducted in December 2024. Following this, the helicopter underwent various tests, including weapon firing, ship operation, and environmental assessments. In July of this year, it received a 'combat-ready' designation and completed the establishment of defense specifications. In August, it also obtained airworthiness certification, ensuring its safety.
DAPA explained that this development marks the first time a domestically produced military helicopter has achieved operational capability with a variety of armaments. The helicopter is equipped with a 20mm turret machine gun, 70mm guided and unguided rockets, and the air-to-ground guided missile 'Cheongeom.' It has also successfully completed live-fire tests of air-to-air missiles to counter enemy helicopters and drones, demonstrating its capability to engage both ground targets and aerial threats.
To enable precise strikes, the helicopter integrates Target Acquisition and Designation Systems (TADS) with a Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD). It has also secured corrosion resistance for maritime environments and operational capabilities aboard ships.
Once operational, the Amphibious Assault Helicopter will serve as a key asset in supporting the mobility of ground forces during Marine Corps amphibious operations.
Jeong Jae-jun, head of DAPA's Ground Power Business Division, stated, "The successful development of the Amphibious Assault Helicopter is a result of close cooperation between DAPA, the military, and domestic defense companies. We will do our utmost to ensure that the helicopter is timely integrated into service, starting production in 2027 and following through with subsequent schedules without delay."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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