First KAI Mirion LAH (Light Armed Helicopter) choppers delivered to the South Korean Army
The Mirion, until recently known simply as the LAH, is an armed derivative of the Airbus Helicopters H155, designed to replace the Bell AH-1S Cobra attack helicopter and the multi-role MD Helicopters 500MD in Korean Army service.
An agreement between Airbus Helicopters and KAI transferring principle manufacturing activity of the EC155 to South Korea was signed in 2015. Under the terms of this arrangement, KAI was to become the sole manufacturer of the type after 2018, and was authorised to develop derivatives including the LAH and the LCH (Light Civil Helicopter). Subsequently, KAI has unveiled plans to develop an unmanned variant and an unarmed Light Utility Helicopter version, too.
The first prototype LAH made its maiden flight on 4 July 2019, and a second prototype followed on 10 December 2019. Nine weeks of cold weather testing of the LAH was undertaken at Yellowknife, Canada, between December 2021 and February 2022.
Compared to the EC155, the LAH has a new cockpit, an improved gearbox, and redesigned rotor blades, as well as comprehensive mission systems and provisions for armament, including stub wings to carry a variety of weapons and a chin-mounted 20-mm three-barrelled gun turret.
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) placed a 300 billion Won (US $203 million) production contract for an initial ten LAH helicopters in December 2022, and a subsequent contract was placed in December 2023 covering an unspecified additional number of LAH helicopters. These will be delivered over the course of a 60-month period beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Airbus has stated that it foresees demand for 100 LCHs and 214 LAHs within South Korea, and estimates an international market for some 300–400 LAH versions to replace legacy attack helicopters.
