South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has completed live-fire testing of its Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH), currently under development for the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. The tests included daytime and nighttime firing of machine guns and rockets.
DAPA announced on Monday that it had conducted three rounds of live-fire tests during the first half of the year to verify the MAH’s real combat capabilities required for amphibious operations.
Based on the KUH-1 Surion platform, the new helicopter integrates the technological experience gained from deploying the MUH-1 Marineon amphibious transport helicopter and the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH). The MAH combines cutting-edge avionics with an advanced weapons system tailored explicitly for the Marine Corps.
This round of testing marks the first confirmed validation of the MAH’s operational viability and is considered a key milestone in establishing the Marine Corps’ independent aviation combat capability.
DAPA plans to continue its development in the second half of the year with flight evaluations focused on guided rockets and air-to-ground missile testing. Full development is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2026.
Once deployed, the Marine Attack Helicopter will provide close air support for the Marineon Corps helicopters during amphibious assaults on hostile terrain. It will also serve as a spear of the Marines, delivering overwhelming firepower in response to requests from ground units engaged in operations.
Ko Hyeong Seok, Director of DAPA’s Helicopter Program Department, stated that they will rigorously prepare for upcoming air-to-ground and air-to-air missile tests to ensure the successful completion of the MAH development program.
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