SEONGNAM, South Korea—Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has awarded MBDA the contract to integrate the Mistral ATAM anti-air missile system onto its Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH).

Already fitted on helicopters like the Airbus Tiger, the Mistral ATAM has a minimum interception range of 500 m (1,640 ft.) and a maximum interception range of 6.6 km (4.1 mi.).

This marks a continuation of the growing collaboration between KAI and the European missile manufacturer.

In October 2022, KAI was selected by South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration to develop the MAH, based on the Marine KUH-1 Surion utility helicopter, and to deliver three prototypes over the following four years.

The Republic of Korea Marine Corps has a requirement for 24 MAHs to support its amphibious operations and operate alongside the Surion. The MAHs will have stub wings that can hold two external munitions hardpoints.

KAI has also engaged MBDA for the integration of the Meteor air-to-air missile on its KF-21 Boromae fighter aircraft, and has conducted weapon release tests since March 2023.