South Korea’s domestic development program for new helicopters to equip its Armed Forces continues to make steady progress. The most recent milestone was achieved a few days ago, when the new KAI MAH maritime attack helicopter—designed to support the operations of the Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps—conducted its first live-fire range tests. The news was shared via a video released by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

Currently, one of the most important local capability development programs undertaken by South Korea’s aerospace industry is the KAI KUH Surion helicopter family. The scope and achievements of this program are significant, as the aircraft—already in service with the South Korean Army—serves as the base platform for the development of new variants for other branches of the military.

For the Navy and Marine Corps, the Surion was adapted to meet the specific needs of these forces, resulting in a new helicopter intended for transport, air assault, and search and rescue (SAR) missions: the Marineon.

However, as has been documented, the requirements of these services extend beyond those functions. Based on the Marineon, South Korea is now conducting flight and systems testing of the attack version of the aircraft, designated the Maritime Attack Helicopter (MAH). More recently, a highly specialized variant for mine countermeasure missions also completed its first flight at the end of June.

In the case of the KAI MAH, development progress allowed for the first flight tests and systems evaluations to take place in January of this year. According to DAPA, these tests will continue through 2026.

Within this framework, the first known live-fire range tests of the KAI MAH were carried out recently. These were conducted in both day and night conditions, showcasing the firing of its 20mm cannon as well as various types of rockets.

Although no further technical details were disclosed, the video published by DAPA on July 13 indicated that testing will continue into the second half of 2026. The program will include additional live-fire evaluations featuring guided munitions, including rockets and a variety of anti-surface missiles compatible with the MAH.

Lastly, while not directly related to the MAH, it was reported recently that South Korea has decided not to proceed with the acquisition of an additional batch of 36 AH-64E Apache helicopters from the United States. Beyond the officially stated reasons concerning the battlefield utility of such aircraft, it is worth noting that the funds—estimated at over USD 3 billion—that would have been allocated to this purchase may instead be redirected to other programs. These include continued development of new helicopter variants based on the in-service KUH platform, as well as the introduction of the KAI LAH, which is intended to equip the South Korean Army.

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