On December 26, 2024, KAI announced that it had begun deliveries of the LAH-1 Miron light attack helicopters to the Republic of Korea Army Aviation, developed as part of the Korean Helicopter Program (KHP). Among the related information, animations were presented showing the LAH-1 integrated with loitering munitions resembling the Polish Warmate-TL system developed by the WB Group.
Images: KAI via YonhapnewsTV
The LAH-1 Miron was developed to replace the AH-1J/S Cobra and MD 500 Defender helicopters operated by the South Korean Army. Based on the H155 model (formerly known as the Eurocopter EC155 B1) by the European company Airbus Helicopters (a part of the Airbus Group), it is a multi-role, lightly armed helicopter designed for missions such as light attack, ground forces support, auxiliary transport, reconnaissance, and as support for the heavier AH-64E Apache Guardian.
A direction of combat capability development for the LAH-1 Miron, anticipated by its users, is the ability to cooperate with unmanned aerial platforms under the concept of Manned/Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). This would enable the helicopter to launch drones carried under its wings, with the operator (the second pilot in tandem-cockpit attack helicopters) controlling them from aboard. The strategic goal is to implement MUM-T capabilities across all branches of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. Consequently, KAI also proposes introducing this technology as a future upgrade for the LAH-1 helicopters.
It is worth noting that on March 4, 2021, KAI and the Israeli company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the potential integration of MUM-T technology for operating IAI’s unmanned systems. Additionally, KAI itself showcased an example of integrating and operating four domestically developed drones for the LAH-1.
The latest concept presented by KAI showcases a modified LAH-1 helicopter equipped with four containerized launchers for unmanned aerial vehicles and an operator station inside the rear section of the cabin (facing backward relative to the direction of flight), consisting of a monitor for operational control and a control panel.
The Polish unmanned ground vehicle Lewiatan UGV, equipped with a six-tube launcher for the Warmate-TL, was showcased during the International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO 2024 in Kielce. Notable is the redesigned reconnaissance variant of the Warmate-TL, which is intended for use aboard Artillery Reconnaissance Vehicles. / Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG
In particular, the drones shown in the graphics featuring the LAH-1 Miron are expected to be launched from a tube launcher, making the Warmate TL (Tube Launch) variant the most preferred option.
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Source: YonhapnewsTV
Warmate 3 for the Republic of Korea
On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the first day of the KADEX (Korea Army International Defense Industry Exhibition), held at the Gyeryongdae Armed Forces Command, WB Group signed an agreement with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) under the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Korea for the delivery of Warmate 3 loitering munitions.
It should be noted, however, that the Warmate 3 is a fixed-wing platform that cannot be launched from a tube launcher, unlike the Warmate TL variant. As KAI informed MILMAG, “The MUM-T capability of the LAH is still in the initial stage of engineering studies. No final decision has been made regarding the choice of UAV. However, at some point in the project phase, such a decision can be expected.”
The Korean order includes ten sets with nearly two hundred Warmate 3 strike systems in combat and training variants, which will be handed over to the soldiers of the South Korean Army. WB Group is the first and currently the only Polish company to supply military equipment to the South Korean armed forces.
The Warmate 3 loitering munitions, developed in Poland, are capable of operating in swarms and formations. Produced in thousands of units, these strike systems have been combat-proven under the most challenging conditions of high-intensity conflict. Warmate 3 loitering munitions are used by the Polish Armed Forces as well as the militaries of other nations, including NATO allies.