Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) successfully conducted the first test flight of its Mine Countermeasure Helicopter (MCH) prototype on June 16, with the achievement officially announced at a celebration ceremony held at KAI’s Sacheon headquarters on June 24.
On June 24, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) held a celebration ceremony for the first test flight of the Mine Countermeasure Helicopter (MCH) prototype. KAI began development of the MCH in 2022, built the prototype earlier this year, conducted ground tests in March, and successfully flew the MCH prototype on June 16.
The ceremony, held at KAI’s headquarters in Sacheon, was attended by over 100 key figures, including the Head of the Current Capabilities Program Agency at DAPA, flag officers from the Naval Air Command and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Head of the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality (DTaQ), and the CEO of KAI. During the event, KAI shared progress of the MCH development and conducted a demonstration flight of the MCH equipped with the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS).
The Mine Countermeasure Helicopter is developed based on the domestically produced Marineon (MUH-1), an amphibious transport helicopter derived from the Surion (KUH) platform used by the Republic of Korea Army. It is equipped with three types of mine countermeasure systems: Northrop Grumman’s Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS), BAE Systems’ Archerfish Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS), and Teledyne Marine’s Gavia Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). The Gavia was modified in order to be used from the MCH.
Although various AUVs are being developed in South Korea, during MADEX 2025 KAI official mentioned that the MCH program opted for cooperation with foreign defense companies, as there was insufficient time to fully mature domestic AUVs to the required performance level within the MCH’s development timeline.
For survivability, the MCH is equipped with HENSOLDT’s AAR-60 Missile Launch Detection System (MILDS), BAE Systems’ ALE-47 Airborne Countermeasure Dispenser System (ACDS) for chaff and flares, a Laser Warning Receiver (LWR) developed by Hanwha Systems, and a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) by LIG Nex1.
The MCH is powered by twin turboshaft engines generating over 1,800 shp and is equipped with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system for enhanced reliability and efficiency. It features a 4-axis Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS), which ensures stable flight performance and precise maneuverability.
Following its successful maiden flight, the MCH will now undergo full-scale flight testing, with development expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. Once delivered and integrated into a newly established mine countermeasure helicopter squadron, the Mine Countermeasure Helicopter is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s mine threat response capabilities.
In addition, missions that were previously carried out solely by mine countermeasure vessels are expected to gain greater operational flexibility with the addition of mine countermeasure helicopters and the mine countermeasure unmanned surface vessels currently under development. These new assets will strengthen the Navy’s ability to respond to North Korea’s naval mines.
Our interview with KAI on MCH & MAH during MADEX 2025
