Korea's Marine Attack Helicopter to Deploy by December 2028

The Marine Amphibious Helicopter (MAH) acquisition stands as a key project for the Republic of Korea Marine Corps' advancement toward a "quasi-fourth branch" status.

The deployment of the MUH-1 "Marineon" assault transport helicopter has strengthened Marine Corps aerial capabilities. However, the final step requires completing operational deployment of attack helicopters to enable three-dimensional amphibious operations combining existing amphibious forces with air-ground mobility.

The attack helicopter provides cover during assault transport helicopter strikes on enemy positions and delivers fire support to ground forces. The MAH applies the avionics and weapons systems from the indigenous Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) "Miron" to the assault transport helicopter platform.

In mid-July 2025, the Marine Corps successfully completed three day-and-night machine gun and rocket live-fire tests. These tests verified the helicopter's day-night combat operational capability and confirmed practical combat readiness for amphibious operations. The Marine Corps was assessed to have secured the foundation for independent aviation force operations.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration conducted flight test evaluations focused on guided rockets and air-to-ground missiles in the second half of 2025, with development completion scheduled for the second half of this year.

System development will conclude by August 2026, with initial operational deployment planned for December 2028. The military plans to acquire 24 aircraft by 2031, establishing one attack helicopter squadron.

Upon completion, the Marine Aviation Group will be reorganized into three squadrons—two transport helicopter squadrons and one attack helicopter squadron—plus air traffic control and maintenance units.

The Marine Aviation Group was reestablished on December 1, 2021, at the 1st Marine Division in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, 48 years after the Marine Corps lost its own aviation unit. This move aligns with evolving amphibious warfare concepts in modern combat.

The MAH derives from the Surion-based MUH-1 Marineon and incorporates weapons technology from the indigenous LAH. Excluding onboard equipment and armament, the basic specifications match the Surion. The design meets Joint Chiefs of Staff requirements for mobility, firepower, and survivability.

The Target Acquisition and Designation System (TADS) enables simultaneous tracking of multiple targets. Armed with indigenous Cheonggeom air-to-ground missiles, the helicopter can engage targets at 8 kilometers—firepower comparable to the AH-64 and AH-1.

The design incorporates protective measures against 12.7mm rounds for the fuselage, engine, cockpit, blades, and various systems. Additional crew protection enables continued mission execution after being hit without crashing.

The MAH is optimized for maritime and shipboard operations, with corrosion prevention including flame-resistant coating for the marine environment. The design emphasizes avionics systems capable of detecting and responding to threats in advance, enhancing survivability in modern warfare.

Notably, the MAH becomes the first indigenous Korean helicopter equipped with air-to-air missiles for aerial combat. Armament will also include a 20mm turreted machine gun and 2.75-inch guided and unguided rockets.

"The Marine attack helicopter will feature state-of-the-art avionics and weapons systems, including air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground missiles," a military official said. "The introduction of attack helicopters will reinforce aviation fire support capabilities for amphibious forces and strengthen readiness against enemy surprise attacks."