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SINGAPORE—The Bangladesh Air Force has expressed strong interest in Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), in what could represent the program’s first major export opportunity, sources familiar with the talks told Aviation Week.
The Bangladesh Army is also evaluating the KAI Surion utility helicopter.
The interest suggests that Bangladesh’s attack helicopter requirement remains open, despite earlier reports pointing to a potential acquisition of the TAI T129 ATAK in early 2026, and prior consideration of the Russian Mil Mi-28 Havoc as far back as 2021.
Sources indicate a potential requirement for six LAHs and six Surions.
Aviation Week Fleet Discovery Military data shows that the Bangladesh Air Force and Army operate a largely Russian-centric helicopter fleet, comprising a combined 62 Mil Mi-17-family helicopters in various configurations, alongside a smaller mix of Leonardo AW139s, Bell 212s and Bell 206s.
Separately, KAI’s development of crewed-uncrewed teaming (also known as MUM-T) capabilities for the LAH is progressing. Phase 1 development has been completed, validating the airborne data link between the LAH and a computer mounted on an unspecified Korean-developed uncrewed aircraft system. Phase 2 is currently underway, focusing on software and algorithm testing.
The final phase, involving full system-level MUM-T demonstrations, is expected to take place “soon,” according to the sources.
KAI’s LAH Air-Launched Effect system measures 1.2 m (3.9 ft.) in length, with a wingspan of 2.5 m and a diameter of 0.5 m. The system has an endurance of up to 2 hr. and a maximum speed of 200 kph (124 mph).
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The Bangladesh Army is also evaluating the KAI Surion utility helicopter.
The interest suggests that Bangladesh’s attack helicopter requirement remains open, despite earlier reports pointing to a potential acquisition of the TAI T129 ATAK in early 2026, and prior consideration of the Russian Mil Mi-28 Havoc as far back as 2021.
Sources indicate a potential requirement for six LAHs and six Surions.
Aviation Week Fleet Discovery Military data shows that the Bangladesh Air Force and Army operate a largely Russian-centric helicopter fleet, comprising a combined 62 Mil Mi-17-family helicopters in various configurations, alongside a smaller mix of Leonardo AW139s, Bell 212s and Bell 206s.
Separately, KAI’s development of crewed-uncrewed teaming (also known as MUM-T) capabilities for the LAH is progressing. Phase 1 development has been completed, validating the airborne data link between the LAH and a computer mounted on an unspecified Korean-developed uncrewed aircraft system. Phase 2 is currently underway, focusing on software and algorithm testing.
The final phase, involving full system-level MUM-T demonstrations, is expected to take place “soon,” according to the sources.
KAI’s LAH Air-Launched Effect system measures 1.2 m (3.9 ft.) in length, with a wingspan of 2.5 m and a diameter of 0.5 m. The system has an endurance of up to 2 hr. and a maximum speed of 200 kph (124 mph).
Bangladesh Evaluates Korea Aerospace Industries Lah, Surion Rotorcraft
SINGAPORE—The Bangladesh Air Force has expressed strong interest in Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), in what could represent the program’s first major export opportunity, sources familiar with the talks told Aviation Week The Bangladesh Army is also evaluating the...
Bangladesh Evaluates Korea Aerospace Industries LAH, Surion Rotorcraft | Aviation Week
The Bangladesh Air Force expressed strong interest in Korea Aerospace Industries’ Light Armed Helicopter, sources familiar with the talks tell Aviation Week.
aviationweek.com
"K-방산 또 일냈다"… 이라크 이어 방글라데시까지, 동남아 하늘 장악하나
방글라데시 공군이 한국항공우주산업(KAI)의 소형무장헬기 미르온(LAH-1)과 다목적기동헬기 수리온을 동시에 도입하는 방안을 검토 중이다. 각각 6대씩 총 12대 규모로, 현지 평가를 거쳐 최종 결정될 예정이다. 그동안 러시아제 헬기에 의존해온 방글라데시가 한국산 무기체계로 전환을 시도하면서, KAI는 동남아시아 시장 진출의 결정적 계기를 마련하게 됐다.
www.reportera.co.kr
