The Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced on the 26th that it has delivered the first mass-produced unit of the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) 'Miron' to the Army. Miron was developed by Korea Aerospace Industries, which began system development in June 2015, completed development in November 2022, and started mass production.

Miron is a domestically produced helicopter that replaces the currently deployed 500MD and Cobra (AH-1S) attack helicopters, making it the second developed in the country after Surion. The name 'Miron' combines the word for dragon, 'mir,' and the number 100, 'on,' symbolizing the meaning of completing missions 100% valiantly.

On the 26th, Deputy Minister Cho Hyun-gi greets at the delivery ceremony of the first unit of the light armed helicopter Miron, held at Korea Aerospace Industries in Sacheon, Gyeongnam. /Courtesy of Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

Miron has enhanced its combat capabilities by equipping the domestically produced air-to-ground guided missile 'Cheongeom,' which has over twice the range compared to existing anti-tank missiles, along with 2.75-inch rockets and a 20mm turret machine gun. It is also equipped with Targeting and Designation System (TADS) to efficiently detect targets.

Additionally, it is outfitted with advanced survival equipment such as Missile Warning Receiver (MWR) and Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), as well as the latest avionics equipment like Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and Integrated Digital Map Computer (IDMC), reducing the pilot's operational burden and enhancing usability.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration plans to operationalize over 160 units by 2031. The administration noted, 'We will realize self-reliant defense and attract interest from various countries in the future.' The Army plans to use the initial batch, including the first mass-produced unit, at its aviation school to train pilots and maintenance personnel, while subsequent units will be gradually deployed to aviation battalions.

Korea Aerospace Industries plans to develop various derivative helicopters, such as special operations attack helicopters and command and control helicopters, based on the LAH platform, starting with this delivery to enter the overseas market. Kang Gu-young, President of KAI, stated, 'We will ensure timely delivery and operational support through thorough quality management of the aircraft until full operational capability is achieved and contribute to enhancing our military's advanced aerial capabilities through continuous technological innovation.'

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