Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has achieved a major milestone with the delivery of the first two production LAH-1 ‘Mir-on’ light armed helicopters to the Republic of Korea Army. This event marks the culmination of a development program that began in June 2015, and the successful completion of the development phase in November 2022. The initial delivery is part of a broader plan to fully integrate the helicopters into the Army’s forces by 2031, replacing the ageing 500MD and AH-1S Cobra fleets.
Photo: KAI
The LAH-1, now officially named ‘Miron,’ was conceived to not only replace older platforms but also to significantly enhance the Army’s aviation capabilities. The ‘Miron’ is equipped with an array of advanced weaponry, including the ‘Chun-gum’ air-to-ground missile, a gun, and 2.75 inch rockets. This formidable arsenal is coupled with a sophisticated 4-axis automatic flight control system (AFCS). This system enhances stability and precision by automatically compensating for air currents and recoil, thereby facilitating more stable and accurate firing. Furthermore, the ‘Mir-on’ features a unique real-time joint tactical data link system, enabling seamless sharing of battlefield information, a capability not found in comparable helicopters.
The handover ceremony, held at KAI headquarters in Sacheon, Gyeongnam, was attended by key figures from the Army, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), and the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality (DTaQ). KAI President Kang Goo-young emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, acknowledging the vital contributions from the government, military, and industry partners. He pledged that KAI would ensure timely delivery and support while maintaining the highest quality standards and continuing to innovate. Cho Hyun-ki, the head of DAPA’s Force Planning Program Department, noted that the ‘Miron’ is the second domestically developed helicopter, following the Surion, and will play a critical role in strengthening the army’s operational capabilities. He expressed optimism for the numerous missions the ‘Miron’ will undertake to protect the nation and its citizens.
Looking ahead, KAI intends to solidify its production system for the ‘Miron’ and expand its product range by developing various variants based on the LAH platform, including special operations attack helicopters and command and control helicopters. KAI has actively promoted its capabilities internationally, showcasing special maneuvers performed by the Surion and ‘Miron’ at the Dubai Airshow in the UAE. The company is leveraging the successful delivery and support of the ‘Mir-on’ to bolster its reputation and maintain its momentum in the K-defense export market.
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