The mine-clearing helicopter, developed with domestic technology, successfully completed its first test flight on the 24th.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) held a celebration event for the successful first flight of the prototype of the mine-clearing helicopter at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province. Attending the event were key figures including Bang Guk-cheol, head of the DAPA Ground Power Business Division, Cho Young-sang, commander of the Navy Aviation Command, Shin Sang-beom, head of the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality (DTaQ), and Kang Gu-young, CEO of KAI.
The mine-clearing helicopter, a core aviation asset for the Navy, is a weapons system that detects and removes mines installed in shallow waters, ensuring safe navigation for naval vessels and supporting maritime operations. Three types of mine-clearing mission equipment verified by the U.S. military are mounted on the homegrown amphibious assault helicopter 'Marine-on,' based on the Surion platform. The mounted equipment includes the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS), Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), and Unmanned Mine Neutralization System (AMNS).
Development of the mine-clearing helicopter began in 2022, and after ground tests starting in March, it successfully completed its first test flight this month. DAPA plans to intensify flight tests for technology verification and safety confirmation following this successful first flight, with a goal to complete development by the second half of 2026.
Once the mine-clearing helicopter is operational, it is expected to be deployed to assist the Navy in missions such as removing mines laid by the enemy in major ports, securing maritime routes, and ensuring landing beaches.
Kang Jung-hee, head of the Aviation Business Division at DAPA, said, "Through the mine-clearing helicopter project, the Navy's mine detection capabilities will be strengthened, and having reliable removal capabilities will significantly enhance the Navy's mission execution capabilities during wartime. We will ensure that the remaining development schedule proceeds without disruption and successfully complete the development."