KAI to Begin Serial Production of Light Armed Helicopters from Airbus

Dark/Light Mode (04/09/23)  Airbus has signed an agreement with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to initiate the serial production phase of Light Armed Helicopters (LAH).

In December 2022, South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Programme Administration awarded a contract to KAI to supply an initial batch of ten LAH to the Republic of Korea Army.

Deliveries are expected to begin at the end of 2024, with follow-on orders to continue into the next decade.

The agreement will see Airbus Helicopters and KAI enter into the next phase of the programme, ramping up production of the LAH at KAI’s Sacheon facility in South Korea. Airbus Helicopters will support KAI’s order fulfillment with delivery of the required kits for mass production.

Airbus signs an agreement with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to initiate the serial production phase of Light Armed Helicopters (LAH).

The two companies have also signed an agreement to deepen their commitment in the joint Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH Surion) programme, to meet a wide range of operational requirements for the military, civil and parapublic markets.

This follows the recent launch of the joint development of new KUH variants, such as the Marine Attack Helicopter and Mine Countermeasure Helicopter, and their corresponding future versions.

The programmes will benefit from Airbus Helicopters’ expertise in flight control systems and helicopter drive systems, and KAI’s industrialisation capability for local production. Airbus Helicopters is also committed to supporting KAI for additional serial deliveries.

“These two long-term agreements will contribute to increasing competitiveness of KUH Surion and LAH in both local and global markets, by stabilising kit deliveries and prices, while strengthening partnership in various rotorcraft businesses,” said Han Chang Heon, Executive Vice President, Rotorcraft Division of KAI.

Airbus and KAI started their long-standing industrial partnership in 2006 when the two companies jointly worked on the KUH Surion, followed by the development of the LAH.

The LAH prototype completed its first flight in July 2019 and was successfully qualified in 2022, upon completion of a rigorous test campaign for combat suitability in all-weather conditions.

The next-generation 5-tonne class helicopters have been developed to meet Korea’s requirements for local deployment in both civil and military sectors. Around 300 kits have been delivered to KAI to-date, with additional orders for future deliveries in place.

“KAI is a long-time trusted partner with whom we have successfully developed several helicopter programmes. We are happy to strengthen this strategic partnership with these agreements, where we will secure the delivery of these two highly performing platforms for many years to come,” said Matthieu Louvot, Executive Vice President, Programmes of Airbus Helicopters.

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