The Republic of Korea (ROK) Army has signed a 1.4-trillion won ($1.1 billion) contract with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to produce its second batch of light-armed helicopters (LAH).
KAI’s aircraft are set to replace ROK’s aging 500MD Tow and AH-1S Cobra fleet. Armored models, as well as command-and-control variants, will be included in the order.
The helicopters will be equipped with advanced avionic systems, including a Smart Multi-Functional Display and an Integrated Digital Map Computer. A 20-mm turret gun and air-to-air ground missiles will serve as its weapons.
The deal comes after an initial mass-production contract last year for 302-billion won ($233 million).
The new LAHs are scheduled to be delivered from 2025 to 2028.
The Forefront of Aerospace
KAI was originally established as a joint venture of Samsung Aerospace, Daewoo Aerospace, and Hyundai Space and Aircraft.
As the sole manufacturer of military aircraft in South Korea, it has produced capabilities for the country’s forward air control, counter-insurgency, and unmanned surveillance missions.
In 2019, the company completed trials for its NI-600 VT drone during Seoul’s push to develop unmanned aerial vehicle technologies.
More recently, KAI also collaborated with US tech company L3Harris to equip the country’s upcoming Marine Attack Helicopters with surveillance and targeting systems, marking the first time the company has participated in the initial stages of weapons research and development in South Korea.