KAI to develop mine countermeasures helicopter for South Korean navy
KAI will develop an indigenous airborne mine countermeasures helicopter based on the Marineon. (Image: KAI)
The decision by the Republic of Korea Navy means KAI will be third company in the world to develop a dedicated minesweeping helicopter.
On 22 December, the same day as Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) received a production contract for the first production examples of the Light Attack Helicopter, the same company was awarded a development contract for an airborne mine countermeasures helicopter.
This project is worth KRW347.7 billion ($272 million). It is due for completion by November 2026, by which stage a prototype will exist.
The resulting helicopter would be used by the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) for counter-mine tasks.
It will be based on the existing MUH-1 Marineon platform, itself a variant of the Surion. This will reduce developmental
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production]()
France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production
The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.
-
![Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports]()
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
-
![France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage]()
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
![US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk]()
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.
-
![US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft]()
US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft
The contract modification, awarded to Boeing, is worth $61.2 million and will support the US Navy’s (USN's) evolution of its P-8 Poseidon aircraft as continued upgrades are made to boost its capabilities and lethality.
-
![Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production]()
Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production
The UK Ministry of Defence remains resolute that the Typhoon sits at the heart of the country’s air defence capabilities and is focused on the aircraft’s potential export orders, despite its continued focus on F-35 procurement.
