Airbus and KAI to launch Light Armed Helicopter serial production

An agreement was inked by Airbus Helicopters and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to start the Light Armed Helicopters (LAH) serial production phase. This comes after the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration of the nation awarded KAI a contract in December 2022 to provide a first batch of ten LAH to the Republic of Korea Army. Deliveries will start at the end of 2024, with follow-on orders to continue into the next decade.

With this agreement, Airbus Helicopters and KAI will move into the next phase of the programme, increasing manufacturing of the LAH at KAI’s Sacheon site in South Korea. Airbus Helicopters will assist KAI with order fulfilment by delivering the necessary kits for mass production.

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The two businesses also agreed to expand their commitment to the joint Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH Surion) programme, which would satisfy a wide range of operational needs for the military, civil, and parapublic markets.

The combined development of new KUH variants, such as the Marine Attack Helicopter and Mine Countermeasure Helicopter, and their respective future versions, was just launched. These programmes will profit from KAI’s industrialization capabilities for domestic manufacture as well as Airbus Helicopters’ experience in flight control systems and helicopter propulsion systems. Additionally, Airbus Helicopters is committed to helping KAI with additional serial deliveries.

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In 2006, Airbus and KAI began their ongoing industrial collaboration when they collaborated on the KUH Surion, which was followed by the creation of the LAH. After a lengthy test campaign for combat suitability in all weather situations, the LAH prototype successfully qualified in 2022 and completed its first flight in July 2019.

These cutting-edge 5-tonne class helicopters were created to satisfy Korean demands for regional military and social deployment. Approximately 300 kits have been delivered to KAI as part of the long-standing cooperation, and more orders have been placed for upcoming deliveries.