Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has contracted L3Harris Technologies to provide surveillance and targeting systems for South Korea’s upcoming Marine Attack Helicopter.
The Wescam MX-15D electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) targeting and designating system will enhance the aircraft’s situational awareness.
The system simultaneously supports up to ten sensors, enabling medium-altitude covert surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition.
“This is the first time L3Harris has participated in the initial stages of a new South Korean research and development plan,” L3Harris Electro-Optical president Kristin Houston said.
“The L3Harris WESCAM MX-15D EO/IR targeting and designating system will provide enhanced, field-proven capabilities for the new helicopter being designed and built by Korea Aerospace Industries. We are proud to partner with KAI and play a part in the advancement of the RoK Marine Corps Aircraft Group.”
Marine Attack Helicopter
The Korea Marine Corps’ future attack helicopter is expected to provide cover fire for amphibious maneuver helicopters and air assault units in addition to “air fire support for ground combat units during deep maneuver operations.”
KAI is developing three prototypes under a 46-month contract signed in November 2022.
It will be armed with Mistral air-to-air missiles and weapons such as “turret-type machine guns, guided and unguided rockets, and air-to-ground missiles,” according to Janes.
