Mine Countermeasure Helicopter for Underwater Mine Removal Succeeds in First Test Flight

KAI to Deliver One Prototype by End of This Year
Navy to Establish Mine Countermeasure Helicopter Battalion by 2030

The mine countermeasure helicopter prototype (pictured), currently under development with domestic technology, has successfully completed its first test flight. Mine countermeasures refer to the removal of dangerous objects such as naval mines deployed in the sea. The helicopter was developed to strengthen the Navy's mine countermeasure capabilities and to ensure the safety of maritime traffic routes.

Mine Countermeasure Helicopter Prototype

According to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) on June 24, KAI was selected as the preferred negotiation partner in 2022 and signed a contract after a two-month negotiation period. Under the contract, KAI will produce one prototype and deliver it to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration by 2026. Once the mine countermeasure helicopter system development is completed, a mine countermeasure helicopter battalion will be established in the Navy by 2030 as the system is deployed.

The mine countermeasure helicopter is being developed based on the domestically produced Marineon (MUH) amphibious helicopter. The current prototype is equipped with three types of equipment that have been validated by foreign militaries, including the US military: a laser mine detection system, an underwater autonomous mine detection device, and an unmanned mine disposal system. The mine countermeasure helicopter underwent ground testing starting in March and succeeded in its maiden flight earlier this month. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration aims to complete development by the second half of 2026.

Once development is complete, the mine countermeasure helicopter will be deployed to remove mines installed by enemy forces in major ports and to secure maritime traffic routes and amphibious landing approaches. As a result, the Navy's operational capabilities during wartime are expected to be significantly enhanced.

A government official stated, "The mine countermeasure helicopter program will greatly enhance the Navy's mine detection and removal capabilities," adding, "We will ensure that the remaining development schedule proceeds without delay and successfully complete the project."