Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Helicopter to be Released by 2026

KAI Signs 238.4 Billion KRW Contract with Defense Acquisition Program Administration... Targeting Production of Over 20 Units

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The Marine Corps' amphibious assault helicopter prototype will be completed by 2026. This helicopter is an amphibious version of the domestically produced helicopter 'Surion,' called 'Marinon,' equipped with additional air-to-air armaments.

On the 28th, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced that it signed a contract worth 438.4 billion KRW with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for the amphibious assault helicopter system development project. Three prototypes will be produced over 46 months. Once system development is completed, about 20 amphibious assault helicopters are expected to be operational from the late 2020s.

The amphibious assault helicopter proposed by KAI applies the avionics and weapon systems proven in the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) and will be the first domestic helicopter to operate air-to-air guided missiles in preparation for aerial combat. Air-to-air missiles are essential armaments for amphibious assault helicopters, and KAI plans to select an appropriate model from foreign weapons with proven performance. Additionally, the helicopter will be equipped with turret-type machine guns, guided and unguided rockets, air-to-ground guided missiles, and various survival equipment to enhance countermeasures against anti-aircraft weapons. Known also as the 'Marinon Armed Version,' the Marine Corps amphibious assault helicopter will provide cover for Marines aboard the amphibious maneuver helicopter Marinon and offer aerial fire support to ground combat units.

KAI expressed confidence that it has reduced development risks for the amphibious assault helicopter by securing core technology for helicopter weapon integration through LAH testing and evaluation. Since it is highly compatible with the Marinon, the need for new Marine Corps pilot training can be minimized, and subsequent logistics support will be easier, resulting in budget savings.

Lee Jong-hwa, Head of the Helicopter Business Division at DAPA, stated, "The development of the amphibious assault helicopter will not only strengthen the Marine Corps' power for amphibious operations but also serve as an opportunity to secure the capability to conduct three-dimensional high-speed amphibious operations as a fully capable air-ground maneuver Marine Corps."