KAI ramps up LAH production even as it develops new Surion variants
One of three LAH prototypes performed a flight display at Seoul ADEX, while another was on static display. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
KAI has continued to invest heavily in helicopters, including in its ability to deploy and operate with uncrewed systems.
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has taken two Light Attack Helicopters (LAH) to Seoul ADEX 2023, as it pursues the series production of the type on behalf of the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA).
Under the first production contract for ten helicopters, awarded on 22 December 2022, KAI will deliver the initial LAH in 2024. Jae Hyung Park, Manager of KAI’s Rotary Wing Business Team 1, told Shephard that a second production contract is expected later this year.
In all, KAI expects about 200 LAHs to be manufactured for the ROKA, plus it is seeking exports for the Airbus H155B1-based platform in
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![“A dominant force”: empowering Europe’s airborne ISR in a new era]()
“A dominant force”: empowering Europe’s airborne ISR in a new era
European militaries face a new security landscape, with the proliferation of drones, theatre ballistic missiles and other threats boosting requirements for airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and related systems. For L3Harris, missionised business jets are central to meeting these needs, providing capability and flexibility in a cost-effective package.
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
-
![April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans]()
April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans
Countries releasing their spending budgets over the past month have placed an emphasis on advancing next-generation crewed programmes as well as upgrades and expansion plans for air combat and aerial refuelling capabilities.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
