Seoul: The state arms procurement agency has successfully completed a series of live-fire tests of a homegrown marine attack helicopter under development, officials stated on Monday. This achievement is anticipated to enhance the air power of the Marine Corps once the development is finalized.
According to Yonhap News Agency, both daytime and nighttime live-fire tests were conducted over three separate occasions in the first half of the year. The tests aimed to verify the helicopter's combat capabilities, as reported by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
Following the test flight of a prototype in December, DAPA plans to conduct further flight test evaluations of the helicopter. These evaluations will focus on its capabilities with guided rockets and air-to-surface missiles, with the aim of completing development in the latter half of next year.
Once deployed, the marine attack helicopter is expected to play a crucial role in guarding the MUH-1 Marineon helicopter during assault operations at enemy sites and providing combat support upon request by ground forces.