Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) was chosen by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to supply future amphibious attack helicopters for the South Korean Marine Corps.
According to information released by KAI, the contract signed with DAPA, valued at approximately USD 300 million, calls for the development of an attack version based on the MUH-1 Marineon naval helicopter. The development period is expected to last 46 months and three prototypes will be produced.
KAI’s proposed amphibious assault helicopter will incorporate the latest avionics and weapons systems, proven on the LAH (Light Armed Helicopter), also developed by KAI in collaboration with Airbus Helicopters.
The future amphibious assault helicopter will be the first domestic helicopter to operate air-to-air guided missiles for self-defense. In addition, it will be equipped with weapons such as 20mm cannons and machine guns, guided and unguided rockets and air-to-ground guided missiles, and will ensure high survivability against anti-aircraft weapons through the application of state-of-the-art survivability equipment.
The amphibious attack helicopter, which will have high compatibility with MUH-1 Marineon already in service, is expected to minimize the need for new Marine Corps pilot training, facilitate maintenance and reduce operating costs by sharing much of the logistics.
When the development project is completed, the South Korean Marine Corps Air Component will receive 20 of these new attack helicopters, which will be deployed from Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) surface units, particularly Dokdo-class amphibious assault ships.
AH-1Z Viper, being the favorite is not always enough
DAPA’s decision to bet on the development of the national industry was already known since April 2021, which raised strong criticism (especially among the Korean Marines, its future users) because they point out that KAI’s product, of which there is still no prototype, will not be at the level of the proven Bell platform, lagging behind in performance, agility and survivability.
See also: Bell offers South Korea production under license of AH-1Z Viper
In early September, Bell was able to submit a formal licensed manufacturing and technology transfer proposal for 24 AH-1Z Viper, in partnership with Korean Air, to try to reverse DAPA’s decision, but all indications are that KAI won this arm wrestle.
