[Defense Column] US Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Helicopter Highlighted at ADEX

[Monthly Defense Times Editor-in-Chief An Seung-beom] On the first day of Seoul ADEX 2021, October 19, the outdoor exhibition area featured one US Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter and two MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, attracting attention. US military aircraft displays have always been dominated by US Air Force aircraft, but this event showcased US Marine Corps rotary-wing aircraft as the main representatives. In the latter part of the event, the UH-1Y Venom amphibious assault helicopter also joined the exhibition.

Meanwhile, in Indoor Exhibition Hall A, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) displayed a conceptual model of an amphibious assault helicopter equipped with additional armaments based on the MUH-1 amphibious assault helicopter.

Seoul ADEX 2021 was a showdown between the US Marine Corps rotary-wing aircraft and the domestically produced amphibious assault (attack) helicopter.

In conjunction with the outdoor display of the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, the manufacturer Bell explained in a media briefing that the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter is equipped with Hellfire anti-tank missiles and AIM-9M air-to-air missiles, enabling it to perform all-weather missions.

The AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter displayed this time belongs to the US Marine Corps stationed at Futenma, Okinawa. In the first half of 2021, it conducted AIM-9M air-to-air missile firing training at the Okinawa firing range to maintain its air-to-air combat capability against helicopters. It emphasized its unrivaled air-to-air combat capability against hostile attack helicopters from neighboring countries.

As explained in the December 2020 media briefing, advanced technologies such as the digital cockpit, helmet-mounted display, and four-blade rotor blades, the integrated HOCAS system combining weapon operation, third-generation target sighting system (TSS), integrated automatic digital survival equipment, interoperability with fifth-generation aircraft, and all-weather operational capability on land and sea were highlighted.

The US Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter has been adopted by the Czech Republic and Bahrain. The Czech Republic operates it inland, while Bahrain, being an island nation, uses it for maritime operations. They chose the AH-1Z Viper as an attack helicopter that meets harsh operational conditions such as coastal, desert, and mountainous environments.

Bahrain will begin deliveries and handovers from 2022, and the Czech Republic will start around the same time, completing by 2023. Bell is also participating in Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s AH-X program to replace the older AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters.

Since 2012, Bell has been awaiting the Republic of Korea Marine Corps’ adoption of the AH-1Z Viper amphibious assault helicopter, but in April this year, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) shifted direction toward domestic development, reducing the likelihood. The reason Bell displayed the AH-1Z Viper amphibious assault helicopter and held a media briefing at Seoul ADEX 2021 is because DAPA’s final confirmation procedure is pending at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the Republic of Korea Marine Aviation Group will be established in December, consisting of two battalions of MUH-1 Marineon amphibious assault helicopters and one battalion of amphibious assault helicopters. The amphibious assault helicopters are planned to be procured from 2026 to 2031, totaling 24 units.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.