1-Sep-2023 Source: Airbus Helicopters
This agreement will see Airbus Helicopters and KAI enter into the next phase of the programme, ramping up production of the LAH at KAI’s Sacheon facility in South Korea. Airbus Helicopters will support KAI’s order fulfilment with delivery of the required kits for the mass production.
The two companies have also signed an agreement to deepen their commitment in the joint Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH Surion) programme, to meet a wide range of operational requirements for the military, civil and parapublic markets.
This follows the recent launch of the joint development of new KUH variants, such as the Marine Attack Helicopter and Mine Countermeasure Helicopter, and their corresponding future versions. These programmes will benefit from Airbus Helicopters’ expertise in flight control systems and helicopter drive systems, and KAI’s industrialisation capability for local production. Airbus Helicopters is also committed to supporting KAI for additional serial deliveries.
“KAI is a long-time trusted partner with whom we have successfully developed several helicopter programmes. We are happy to strengthen this strategic partnership with these agreements, where we will secure the delivery of these two highly performing platforms for many years to come,” said Matthieu Louvot, Executive Vice President, Programmes of Airbus Helicopters.
These next-generation 5-tonne class helicopters have been developed to meet Korea’s requirements for local deployment in both civil and military sectors. The well-established partnership has seen the delivery of around 300 kits to KAI to-date, with additional orders for future deliveries.