▲ This file photo shows a prototype of the homegrown Marine Attack Helicopter on display at the manufacturing plant of Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) in Sacheon, about 300 kilometers south of Seoul, on May 14, 2026, as provided by KAI. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Marine helicopter-weapons test

Marine chopper development nears completion following successful weapons tests

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- The arms procurement agency said Tuesday a Marine attack helicopter under development has entered the final stage of development after successfully completing all weapons tests, including recent live-fire tests of air-to-air missiles.

The homegrown Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH) has carried out live-fire tests for key weapons systems required in modern warfare, from turret-mounted machine guns and air-to-ground missiles to guided and unguided rockets, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said.

Launched in October 2022, the MAH program is aimed at developing an attack helicopter for multidimensional amphibious operations, expanding the Marine Corps' operational capabilities not only on the ground but also in the air.

It conducted its first test flight of a prototype in December 2024.

When deployed, the attack helicopter is expected to be tasked with guarding the MUH-1 Marionon helicopter conducting assault operations at enemy sites and providing combat support when requested by ground forces.

DAPA said it plans to complete the development by August and enter mass production in 2027.

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