LAH (Light Armed Helicopter)
Indigenous light attack and reconnaissance helicopter developed by KAI based on the Airbus H155 civil helicopter platform, modified for military operations with weapon systems, armour, crashworthy structure, and mission avionics. Powered by twin Safran Arriel 2L2 turboshaft engines with FADEC. Armed with a 20mm three-barrel chin turret gun, 70mm rocket pods, and provisions for anti-tank guided missiles. Features an integrated mission system with FLIR/laser designator turret, helmet-mounted display, and digital moving map. Carries 2 crew at a maximum weight of 4,920 kg with a maximum speed of 280 km/h. Developed to replace the aging MD500/AH-1S fleet in South Korean Army service. First delivery in 2024 with a requirement for approximately 200 aircraft. The LAH represents a major step in South Korea's indigenous helicopter industry capability.
![Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) logo](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="200" height="60" viewBox="0 0 200 60"><rect width="200" height="60" fill="%23111"/><text x="100" y="38" font-family="Arial" font-weight="bold" font-size="22" fill="%23c8a84b" text-anchor="middle">KAI</text></svg>)
- South Korean indigenous development
- Modern FLIR and avionics
- Spike-ER ATGM for precision strike
- Designed for Korean terrain conditions
- Reduces foreign platform dependency
- Limited export opportunities so far
- New platform with limited operational track record
- Domestic procurement only initially
- Higher cost than older platforms
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SIGN INProtection level against contemporary ATGM threats is the defining metric here, and these figures hold up well.
Mobility cross-country is more operationally significant than top speed on paved surfaces. This platform understands that.