The manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (Kai) recently signed an agreement with the South Korean government for the production of an unspecified number of LAH (Light Armed Helicopter) helicopters, that is light armed military aircraft derived from the H-155 of Airbus Helicopters. The deal is worth around 1.1 billion dollars and includes various services: from technical support to logistics, from the supply of spare parts to maintenance.

"Through this contract we expect to not only strengthen our national defense capabilities, but also our competitiveness in exports abroad". The company "plans to consolidate the mass production of Lah helicopters and actively pursue the development of derivative aircraft and entry into foreign markets", a company official says. 

This is the second production contract signed by the executive for LAH helicopters. The agreement has a duration of 60 months. Delivery of the aircraft will begin in the fourth quarter of 2025 and follows a previous agreement signed in December 2022 (10 fixed-wing aircraft by the end of 2024). In that year, Seoul had allocated a total of 5.75 trillion dollars for the development program of these light helicopters.