MBDA press release
MBDA has received a contract from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the integration of the Mistral ATAM anti-air missile system on the Korean Marine Attack Helicopter (KMAH).
“We are proud to be partnered again with Korea Aerospace Industries to arm a Korean military aircraft. This contract cements Mistral ATAM’s place as a world’s leading helicopter launched anti-air missile system.”
Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA
Mistral ATAM is based on the Mistral short-range anti-air missile, known for its fire-and-forget engagement mode, ease of operation and unrivalled kill probability. The ATAM system includes two launchers per helicopter, each carrying two missiles. Man-portable Mistral air defence systems are also in-service with Republic of Korea’s Armed Forces.
MBDA is a world leader in missile systems, with over 60 years’ experience developing cutting-edge missiles in cross-border partnerships that makes the company a natural partner to accelerate domestic development programmes. MBDA and KAI are also working together to integrate the Meteor beyond visual range missile onto the KF-21 Boromae fighter aircraft.
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About MAH Marineon Helicopter
Also known as MAH for Marine Attack Helicopter, this is the armed variant of the Marineon helicopter, itself the amphibious variant of the KUH-1 Surion helicopter. The MAH was selected as the Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC)’s future attack helicopter in April 2021.
As we reported previously, the MAH has been the subject of great controversy domestically in past years, with some critics lambasting the government decision to select the Marineon as the Republic of Korea Marine Corps future attack helicopter. This has not stopped KAI from working on the aircraft. The armed Marineon will use target acquisition and designation sights (TADS) and helmet-mounted displays (HMD). It is hoped the addition of the TADS and HMD will make the aircraft more suitable for attack operations.
About Mistral ATAM
MISTRAL ATAM is based on the MISTRAL missile with its fire-and-forget engagement mode, ease of operation and unrivalled kill probability. The system is based on two launchers, each bearing two missiles and can be connected to the helicopter’s combat system, when mounted on combat helicopters, or through simplified control equipment if installed on multi-purpose helicopters.
In both cases, it is characterised by simplicity of operation, a very low crew workload and a high level of performance. The system can be operated within the whole flight envelope of the launch helicopter, at speeds of up to 200 knots and at altitudes exceeding 15,000 ft.
MISTRAL ATAM ensures a large off-boresight capability, together with the ability to aim the missile seeker very precisely at a given target. The missile has a shaped trajectory in order to intercept targets top-down or at long range, the crew can also select the proximity fuze mode.
Missile characteristics
- Weight: 18.7 kg
- Length: 1.86 m
- Diameter: 90 mm
- Maximum Intercept range: 6.5 km
- Minimum intercept range: 500 m
