KAI completes development of South Korea's Marine Attack Helicopter

What's the deal? South Korea's Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has completed development of the homegrown Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH), fitted with air-to-ground missiles and other weapons systems for multidimensional amphibious operations, the agency said on 28 October 2026. A prototype is on display at the Sacheon plant of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), which is building the medium-class helicopter as an armed evolution of its MUH-1 Marineon amphibious utility rotorcraft. DAPA plans to begin production of roughly 20 helicopters starting in 2027.

Why it matters: The MAH gives the Republic of Korea Marine Corps its own attack aviation capability for amphibious assault, escort and close air support, replacing reliance on army platforms. The development programme was launched in late 2022 with KAI as prime contractor, and completion of development clears the path to serial production alongside the KF-21 fighter programme in KAI's order book.

Read more: Yonhap News Agency