Airbus, KAI to start Light Armed Helicopter production for Korean Army
Airbus Helicopters and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have announced the commencement of serial production for their Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), designed for the South Korean Army. Deliveries of an initial batch of 10 helicopters are slated to begin in December 2024, with more orders expected in the following decade. Based on Airbus's H155 platform, the LAH is intended to replace South Korea's aging AH-1S Cobra and MD 500 helicopters. The aircraft will be produced at KAI's facility in Sacheon, South Korea, and will feature twin turboshaft engines from Safran, a three-barreled 20mm turret gun, air-to-ground missiles, and 70mm rockets. The contract for the first batch is valued at 302 billion won (approximately $229 million), though Airbus has not officially confirmed this figure.