South Korean Marine Attack Helicopter Enters Final Development Stage
Quick Look
- South Korea's Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH) has completed all weapons tests, including live-fire exercises for air-to-air missiles, entering the final development phase.
- The program aims to enhance the Marine Corps' amphibious and air capabilities, with deployment expected after mass production begins in 2027.
AI-generated summary
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- The arms procurement agency said Tuesday a Marine attack helicopter under development has entered the final stage of development after successfully completing all weapons tests, including recent live-fire tests of air-to-air missiles.
The homegrown Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH) has carried out live-fire tests for key weapons systems required in modern warfare, from turret-mounted machine guns and air-to-ground missiles to guided and unguided rockets, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said.
Launched in October 2022, the MAH program is aimed at developing an attack helicopter for multidimensional amphibious operations, expanding the Marine Corps' operational capabilities not only on the ground but also in the air.
It conducted its first test flight of a prototype in December 2024.
When deployed, the attack helicopter is expected to be tasked with guarding the MUH-1 Marionon helicopter conducting assault operations at enemy sites and providing combat support when requested by ground forces.
DAPA said it plans to complete the development by August and enter mass production in 2027.
