The prototype of South Korea’s mine countermeasures helicopter has completed its first test flight, marking a key milestone in a government-backed effort to enhance naval capabilities. The aircraft is part of a 347.7-billion-won ($256.6 million) project introduced in 2022 to support the Republic of Korea Armed Forces with locally-produced rotary wing assets for mine-clearing missions.
Korea Aerospace Industries and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) are overseeing the project. The next phase will involve rigorous testing to validate performance, system functionality, and safety, with development scheduled to continue until 2026.
