Korea Aerospace Industries selects MBDA missile for helicopters

Korea Aerospace Industries selects MBDA missile for attack helicopters

Oct 17, 2023 - 12:46 pm

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has awarded MBDA a contract for the integration of the Mistral ATAM anti-air missile system on the Korean Marine Attack Helicopter (KMAH).

Mistral ATAM is based on the Mistral short-range anti-air missile, known for its fire-and-forget engagement mode, ease of operation and 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.

Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA said, “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.”

MBDA and KAI are also working together to integrate the Meteor beyond visual range missile onto the KF-21 Boromae fighter aircraft.

Thales contract

KIA has also awarded Thales a contract to equip FA-50 fighters for Poland with its Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display.

Under the terms of this contract, Thales is responsible for adapting, integrating, and qualifying the Scorpion HMD onto KAI’s FA-50 Fighting Eagle, as well as installing production systems, to support the Republic of Korea’s FA-50 contract with Poland.

“We are excited to add the FA-50 to the long list of highly capable combat aircraft embracing our Scorpion HMD. For KAI we also supply rotary wing versions for their Light Armed and Marine Attack helicopters,” said Jim Geraghty, vice president, Visionix a division of Thales Defense and Security Inc. “Scorpion’s simplified approach to platform integration, superior situational awareness, high reliability, and enhanced pilot comfort makes this system unmatched in the HMD marketspace.”

Image: HJBC – stock.adobe.com

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