What Is the LAH? KAI and Airbus Helicopters’ Light Armed Helicopter Explained
SEO Title: What Is the LAH? KAI and Airbus Helicopters’ Light Armed Helicopter Explained
Meta Description: KAI LAH specifications, weapons, Airbus partnership, Korean Army order, and a neutral comparison with Turkey’s T129 ATAK armed helicopter program.
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What Is the LAH? KAI and Airbus Helicopters’ Light Armed Helicopter Explained
The LAH (Light Armed Helicopter) is a sub-5-tonne armed reconnaissance and attack helicopter co-developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Airbus Helicopters. The program was launched to replace South Korea’s aging BO-105 and AH-1S Cobra fleets with a domestically produced platform. The LAH shares its airframe, engines, and rotor system with the LCH (Light Civil Helicopter) variant, representing a dual-use development strategy that distributes non-recurring engineering costs across both military and civil markets.
The LAH completed its first flight on July 4, 2019, and has entered serial production for the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA). Armed with Spike ER/LR anti-tank guided missiles, a 20mm cannon, and 70mm rockets, it is positioned as ROKA’s primary light attack asset.
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Technical Specifications
| Parameter | LAH |
|---|---|
| Max Takeoff Weight | ~5,500 kg |
| Maximum Speed | ~290 km/h |
| Range | ~450 km |
| Engines | 2× Safran Arriel 2L2 |
| Crew | 2 (pilot + WSO) |
| Guided Missiles | Spike ER / Spike LR |
| Cannon | 20mm |
| Rockets | 70mm Hydra / LAU-61 |
| Sensors | EO/IR, laser designator, FLIR |
| Mission | Attack, reconnaissance, anti-armor, fire support |
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Competitor Comparison
| Platform | Country | MTOW | Primary ATGM | Operational |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAH | South Korea | ~5,500 kg | Spike ER/LR | Serial production |
| T129 ATAK | Turkey | 5,400 kg | UMTAS (indigenous) | Operational |
| H145M | Europe | 3,700 kg | Spike | Operational |
| A129 Mangusta | Italy | 4,600 kg | TOW/Hellfire | Operational |
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Neutral Comparison: LAH vs T129 ATAK
The LAH and Turkey’s T129 ATAK are the most directly comparable platforms in the sub-5-tonne armed helicopter category. Both are nationally co-developed, carry similar weapon loads, and serve as their respective armies’ primary light attack assets. The ATAK benefits from a highly indigenized weapons ecosystem — the UMTAS anti-tank missile and Cirit 70mm laser-guided rocket were both developed domestically — while the LAH inherits Airbus Helicopters’ rotor and structural engineering heritage. Export potential for both platforms is constrained by technology transfer dependencies: ATAK by US-origin engine restrictions, LAH by its Airbus and Spike supply chain links.
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FAQ
What weapons does the LAH carry?
Spike ER/LR anti-tank guided missiles, a 20mm cannon, 70mm rocket pods, and an integrated EO/IR targeting sensor suite.
Has the LAH been exported?
As of 2026, LAH deliveries are exclusively to ROKA. KAI is pursuing export opportunities.
What is the difference between LAH and LCH?
The LCH is the civil variant sharing the same airframe, engines, and rotor but without weapons or military avionics.
Sources: KAI Official Website | DAPA | Airbus Helicopters | ROKA | Defense News
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