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Chen Chuanren
February 05, 2026
Models of the KAI Light Armed Helicopter and Air-Launched Effect system at Singapore Airshow. Credit: Chen Chuanren/Aviation Week
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).
