“Airbus and KAI Take Flight with New Era of Light Armed Helicopter Manufacturing”

Airbus Helicopters and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have formalized a pact to commence the mass production phase of the Light Armed Helicopters (LAH). This development follows the agreement granted by the country’s Defence Acquisition Programme Administration to KAI in December 2022, aimed at providing an initial lot of ten LAH to the Republic of Korea Army. Shipments are set to commence at the conclusion of 2024, with subsequent orders anticipated to extend into the upcoming decade.

This pact will usher Airbus Helicopters and KAI into the next segment of the program, augmenting the production of the LAH at KAI’s Sacheon facility in South Korea. Airbus Helicopters will assist KAI’s order fulfillment through the delivery of the necessary kits for mass manufacturing.

The two organizations have also established an agreement to intensify their commitment to the collaborative Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH Surion) initiative, catering to a broad spectrum of operational demands for military, civilian, and parapublic sectors.

This initiative follows the recent inception of collaborative developments of new KUH variants, including the Marine Attack Helicopter and Mine Countermeasure Helicopter, along with their respective future iterations. These endeavors will leverage Airbus Helicopters’ proficiency in flight control systems and helicopter drive mechanisms, coupled with KAI’s capability for local industrialization. Airbus Helicopters remains dedicated to aiding KAI in additional serial productions.

“KAI is a long-standing and reliable ally with whom we have effectively advanced several helicopter programs. We are pleased to reinforce this strategic collaboration with these agreements, ensuring the delivery of these two high-performance platforms for many years ahead,” remarked Matthieu Louvot, Executive Vice President, Programmes of Airbus Helicopters.

“These two enduring agreements will play a significant role in enhancing the competitiveness of KUH Surion and LAH across both domestic and international markets by stabilizing kit deliveries and pricing, while fortifying partnerships in various rotorcraft ventures,” stated Han Chang Heon, Executive Vice President, Rotorcraft Division of KAI.

Airbus and KAI initiated their long-term industrial collaboration in 2006 when both companies worked together on the KUH Surion, followed by the development of the LAH.

The LAH prototype successfully achieved its maiden flight in July 2019 and received qualification in 2022 after completing a comprehensive testing regimen for combat readiness under all-weather conditions.

These advanced 5-tonne class helicopters have been crafted to fulfill Korea’s specifications for domestic deployment across both civilian and military domains. The well-established collaboration has resulted in the delivery of approximately 300 kits to KAI thus far, with further orders anticipated for future shipments.