The Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH) has successfully completed a series of live-fire tests.
The tests were conducted in both day and night conditions during the first half of 2025 and involved the firing of rockets and the use of the helicopter’s chin-mounted rotary cannon, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
The MAH first flew in December 2024 and is designed to operate from amphibious assault ships in support of South Korean marines. It shares a common airframe with the MUH-1 Marineon utility helicopter. Both are variants of the KUH-1 Surion, which is in widespread use with the South Korea’s army.
“Day and night live-fire tests have proven the core performance for the actual deployment of the amphibious attack helicopter,” says Brigadier General Koh Heung-seok, head of DAPA’s helicopter division.
“We will thoroughly prepare for follow-up processes such as air-to-ground and air-to-air missile firing tests, carry out the remaining development schedule without a hitch, and successfully complete the development.”
Missile testing for the MAH is expected to be completed later this year, with overall development slated to conclude in the second half of 2026.
Equipped with a chin-mounted cannon and six external hardpoints mounted on stub wings, the MAH will provide close air support for amphibious operations and ground troops.
The helicopter is expected to enter service in the late 2020s, with 20 examples to be acquired. It will eventually operate alongside the MUH-1 aboard South Korea’s two Dokdo-class amphibious assault ships, ROKS Dokdo and ROKS Marado.
In October 2022, KAI secured a W440 billion ($319 million) contract from the DAPA to develop the MAH. The helicopter incorporates the weapons system of the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), which has begun entering service with the Republic of Korea Army.
In June, a version of the Surion dedicated to naval minesweeping, the MCH, had its maiden flight in South Korea. As with the MAH, it is based on the MUH-1.
