Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has taken the international stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023 with the debut of two groundbreaking helicopters: KUH-1E Surion utility helicopter and LAH light attack helicopter. While previously exhibited within South Korea, this marks the first time these cutting-edge aircraft have been showcased at a major international expo. The “Dubai Airshow 2023,” the largest airshow in the Middle East, hold in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Nov. 13-17. The 34th edition of the Dubai Airshow features over 1,400 aviation and defense companies from more than 20 countries, showcasing 180 military and commercial aircraft and conducting demonstration flights. The 34th edition of the Dubai Airshow features over 1,400 aviation and defense companies from more than 20 countries, showcasing 180 military and commercial aircraft and conducting demonstration flights.
The KAI KUH-1 Surion is a twin-engine, transport utility helicopter developed primarily by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) jointly with Eurocopter. In service with the Republic of Korea Army since 2013, the KUH-1 traces its design origins from the Airbus Helicopters AS332 Super Puma. The initial utility/assault version, named Surion in Korean service, has served as the basis for several derivatives. They include the MUH-1 Marineon amphibious assault helicopter for the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and role-specific versions for firefighting, medical evacuation, law enforcement, anti-submarine warfare, and coast guard duties. An initial force of around 245 Surions have been ordered by the Republic of Korea Army to replace their aging fleets of UH-1H utility helicopters and 500MD light utility helicopters, which have been in service for decades. In 2019 KAI unveiled the KUH-1E version tailored for export.
The KAI LAH (Light Armed Helicopter) is a compact twin-engine combat helicopter that is being developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The LAH has been developed from the Eurocopter EC155 following an agreement between the multinational manufacturer Airbus Helicopters and KAI made in 2015. It is capable of performing multiple mission roles including light attack, close air support, escort, and troop transport duties, replacing both the MD500 Defender and AH-1S Cobra helicopters of the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA). The LAH is armed with a single chin-mounted 20mm three-barreled turret gun and fitted with stub wings for carrying both 70 mm (2.8 in) non-guided rockets and air-to-ground anti-tank missiles. The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Hanwha developed a new anti-tank missile, initially referred to as the TAipers (Tank Sniper) Light Armed Helicopter Air-to-Ground Missile (LAH-AGM), as the LAH’s primary weapon.
The presence of these helicopters at the Dubai Airshow signifies KAI’s intent to expand its export potential. By introducing these advanced aerial platforms, KAI aims to capture the attention of international markets seeking modern, versatile, and adaptable rotorcraft solutions. The showcase not only underlines South Korea’s burgeoning capabilities in the defense aerospace industry but also signals KAI’s aspirations to become a significant player in the global helicopter market. Additionally, KAI showcased next-generation products such as the Korean-made supersonic fighter KF-21, the light attack aircraft FA-50, the Multirole Carrier-X (MC-X) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. KAI explained that during the airshow, it plans to discuss business cooperation and new business opportunities with high-ranking officials from governments, military leaders, and business executives in the Middle East and Africa, including the United Arab Emirates.
