Airbus and Korea Aerospace Industries forge EUR 4 Bn partnership to initiate mass production of helicopters for South Korean army.

Airbus, the Franco-German-Spanish aerospace giant, has entered into a strategic partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The two companies have agreed to initiate the mass production of Light Armed Helicopters (LAH) for the South Korean military, a project valued at over €4 billion.

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 LAH is a South Korean military variant of the French-origin AS-365 Dauphin twin-engine helicopter (Picture source: Wikimedia)

The LAH is a South Korean military variant of the French-origin AS-365 Dauphin twin-engine helicopter. This agreement follows a contract awarded by South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration to KAI in December 2022. The initial contract involves the supply of ten LAH units to the Republic of Korea Army, with deliveries expected to commence by the end of 2024. The program is set to continue for the next decade, with the production work extending until 2031.

The LAH has been developed from the Eurocopter EC155 following an agreement between the multinational manufacturer Airbus Helicopters and KAI made in 2015. It is capable of performing multiple mission roles including light attack, close air support, escort, and troop transport duties, replacing both the MD500 Defender and AH-1S Cobra helicopters of the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA).

This new agreement will allow Airbus Helicopters and KAI to move into the next phase of the LAH program. Production will ramp up at KAI's facilities in Sacheon, South Korea. Airbus Helicopters will support KAI by providing the necessary kits for mass production.

The LAH is designed as a multi-role light-armed helicopter, manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries in collaboration with Airbus Helicopters. The helicopter had its first flight in July 2019 and was officially qualified in 2022. It is primarily intended for use by the Republic of Korea Army. Performance-wise, the LAH is capable of reaching a maximum speed of approximately 175 knots and has a range of around 700 km. It can operate at a service ceiling of 13,000 feet and has a rate of climb of 1,500 feet per minute.

In terms of armament, the LAH is provisioned with a 20mm cannon and has the capability to carry 70mm rocket pods as well as anti-tank guided missiles and air-to-air missiles. The helicopter is equipped with advanced targeting radar for all-weather, day-night operations. It also features state-of-the-art GPS and INS systems for navigation and secure communication systems for tactical operations. The cockpit is designed with multi-function displays, and the helicopter features a four-blade main rotor and a Fenestron tail rotor for enhanced stability and control. Safety features include crash-resistant seats and fuel tanks.

In addition to the LAH program, both companies have also signed an agreement to deepen their involvement in the Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH Surion) program. This program aims to meet a wide range of operational requirements for military, civil, and public markets.

The KUH Surion is a medium utility helicopter jointly developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter). Designed to fulfill a variety of roles, including troop transport, medical evacuation, and search and rescue operations, the Surion is the first helicopter of its kind to be produced in South Korea.

The KUH-1 Surion can carry up to 16 troops in an operational range of 530 km. It is powered by two Hanwha Techwin T700-ST-701K turboshaft, a variant of the T700-GE-701C engine. The KUH-1 Surion can carry up to 16 troops in an operational range of 530 km, in addition, it is capable of operating in challenging weather conditions and varied terrains. It is also modifiable for specific roles, including armed and maritime versions.

KUH Surion is a medium utility helicopter jointly developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter).