Defense & Military
KAI Unveils MAH-1 Helicopter and ALE Drone System at EDEX 2025
KAI presents the MAH-1 attack helicopter with ALE drone at EDEX 2025, targeting Middle East and African defense markets with advanced coastal strike capabilities.
At the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2025 in Cairo, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) officially presented a major evolution in its naval aviation portfolio: the MAH-1 Marine Attack Helicopter paired with an Air Launched Effect (ALE) drone. This unveiling marks the first time South Korea has publicly displayed a dedicated Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) system specifically designed for amphibious operations.
According to reporting by Army Recognition, the system is engineered to bolster survivability and extend strike ranges in coastal environments. By debuting this technology in Egypt, KAI appears to be positioning itself as a competitive alternative in the Middle East and African defense markets, utilizing Cairo as a strategic entry point for regional sales.
The centerpiece of the display was the MAH-1, an armed attack variant of the MUH-1 Marineon. The Marineon itself is a derivative of the KUH-1 Surion utility helicopter. Designed to provide close air support (CAS) and anti-armor capabilities for marine landings, the MAH-1 represents a significant step toward indigenous South Korean naval power.
Reports from the event indicate that the helicopter’s development is scheduled to conclude in late 2026, following a maiden flight that occurred in December 2024. The platform features a folding main rotor for shipboard storage and is treated with salt-resistant anti-corrosion coatings to withstand maritime conditions.
Based on data displayed at the exhibition, the MAH-1 boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 8.7 tons and is powered by twin T700-701K turboshaft engines, each generating over 1,800 shaft horsepower. Its dimensions include a length of 19 meters and a width of 6.1 meters.
The aircraft is heavily armed for its support role. It features a chin-mounted 20mm three-barrel turret gun and is capable of carrying a variety of munitions, including Cheongeom (Taipers) anti-tank guided missiles, Mistral air-to-air missiles, and 2.75-inch rockets.
Complementing the manned helicopter is the Air Launched Effect (ALE) drone, a compact unmanned system designed to launch directly from the MAH-1. This “loyal wingman” concept allows the helicopter crew to control the drone via bidirectional data links, extending their sensory reach while keeping the manned aircraft at a safer distance from threats.
According to the specifications provided at EDEX 2025, the ALE model displayed measures approximately 1.2 meters in length with a wingspan of 2.5 meters. It offers an endurance of roughly two hours and a top speed of around 200 km/h. The drone is intended for diverse roles, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, and potentially loitering munition strikes. “The drone operates ahead of the manned helicopter to detect threats, reducing risk to the crew.”
— Summary of KAI operational concept
This system is part of KAI’s broader “Adaptable Aerial Platform” (AAP) program, which envisions various sizes of air-launched drones compatible with different platforms, including the FA-50 light combat aircraft.
KAI’s decision to unveil this system in Cairo underscores a deliberate strategy to target the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. Egypt is viewed as a critical hub for this expansion, with KAI leveraging existing defense ties, such as the sale of K9 Howitzers and ongoing discussions regarding the FA-50.
The marketing approach emphasizes industrial cooperation, with proposals for technology transfer and local assembly. This “win-win” model is designed to appeal to nations like Egypt that possess developing amphibious capabilities, such as Mistral-class carriers, but may face budget constraints or export restrictions when seeking top-tier Western platforms.
We observe that the introduction of the ALE represents a critical tactical shift for the MAH-1 platform. By allowing the helicopter to engage targets or gather intelligence “over the horizon,” the system mitigates the risk posed by coastal air defense systems, such as MANPADS, which are a primary threat during amphibious assaults.
Furthermore, this development highlights South Korea’s growing independence in defense technology. By localizing key components like the T700 engines and developing indigenous weapons like the Cheongeom missile, KAI is reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. This autonomy likely makes the platform more attractive to non-aligned nations seeking advanced capabilities without the geopolitical strings often attached to US or European exports.
KAI Unveils Integrated MAH-1 Helicopter and ALE Drone System at EDEX 2025
The MAH-1 Marine Attack Helicopter
Key Specifications and Armament
The “Loyal Wingman”: ALE Drone
Strategic Market Implications
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Korea Aerospace Industries
Defense & Military
Pratt & Whitney Secures $1.6B F135 Engine Sustainment Contract
Pratt & Whitney won a $1.6B contract for F135 engine sustainment to support the global F-35 fleet, covering maintenance and engineering through 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from RTX. See the original release for full details.
Pratt & Whitney Secures $1.6 Billion Contract for F-35 Engine Sustainment
RTX business Pratt & Whitney has been awarded a contract worth up to $1.6 billion to provide sustainability support for the F135 propulsion system, the engine that powers the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Announced on December 2, 2025, the agreement covers maintenance, repair, and engineering support for the global fleet, ensuring operational readiness for the United States and its international allies.
According to the company’s official statement, the award is structured as an Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA). This contracting vehicle allows work to commence immediately while final terms are negotiated, highlighting the Department of Defense’s prioritization of fleet readiness. The contract supports all three variants of the fighter, the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C, and is expected to run through November 2026.
Scope of Work and Global Operations
The contract encompasses a wide range of critical logistics and engineering services designed to keep the F135 engine operational. Pratt & Whitney stated that the scope includes depot-level maintenance and repair, propulsion system integration, material management, and the replenishment of spare parts. Additionally, the agreement covers software sustainment and engineering support.
Work will be distributed across a substantial domestic and international network. According to RTX, approximately 40% of the work will be performed in East Hartford, Connecticut, with another 21% taking place in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Other U.S. performance locations include Florida, Indiana, and Texas.
Reflecting the F-35’s status as a global coalition aircraft, the sustainment efforts will also involve international facilities. The press release lists key locations in Norway, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Italy, and the United Kingdom as part of the support network.
“F-35 operators worldwide depend on the F135 for the power and performance their missions demand, and this award helps us maintain readiness rates that enable the warfighter to accomplish their critical missions.”
, Kinda Eastwood, Vice President of F135 Sustainment at Pratt & Whitney
Program Context and Fleet Readiness
This sustainment award follows a period of significant activity for the F135 program. In August 2025, Pratt & Whitney received a $2.8 billion production contract for Lot 18 engines. With over 1,300 production engines delivered to date, the focus has increasingly shifted toward maintaining the aging fleet while simultaneously producing new units.
AirPro News Analysis: The Significance of the UCA
The decision to utilize an Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA) is noteworthy. In defense contracting, a UCA is typically employed when the government’s need for supplies or services is urgent and cannot wait for the lengthy process of finalizing a definitive contract. By authorizing immediate work, the Pentagon is signaling that maintaining F-35 engine readiness is a critical priority that supersedes administrative finality.
This urgency aligns with the current geopolitical landscape. With F-35 assets critical to deterrence strategies in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, any gap in propulsion maintenance could directly impact mission assurance. The UCA mechanism ensures that the flow of spare parts and depot repairs continues uninterrupted.
Long-Term Sustainment and Upgrades
While this $1.6 billion contract addresses immediate sustainment needs through late 2026, the F-35 program faces broader long-term challenges regarding operating costs. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports from 2024 and 2025 have highlighted that lifetime sustainment costs for the program could reach approximately $1.58 trillion through 2088. As of late 2025, the annual sustainment cost per tail for the F-35A remains significantly above original targets, hovering between $6.6 million and $6.8 million.
Parallel to these sustainment efforts, Pratt & Whitney is executing a separate $1.3 billion contract for the F135 Engine Core Upgrade (ECU). This modernization effort aims to enhance the engine’s power and cooling capabilities to support “Block 4” weapons and sensors. The ECU is currently scheduled for fielding in 2029.
The newly announced sustainment contract serves as a bridge, ensuring the current fleet remains viable and combat-ready while the program navigates these future upgrades and cost-reduction initiatives.
Sources:
- RTX / Pratt & Whitney Press Release
- Government Accountability Office (GAO) Reports (Contextual Data)
Photo Credit: RTX
Defense & Military
US Approves $1B Helicopter Support Sale to Saudi Arabia
The US State Department approved a $1 billion helicopter support and training package to Saudi Arabia focused on sustaining existing rotary-wing fleets.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters.
The United States State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Saudi Arabia valued at approximately $1 billion. As reported by Reuters on December 1, 2025, the package is designed to provide critical logistics support and training for the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Corps (RSLFAC). The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has officially notified Congress of the certification, initiating the standard legislative review period.
This approval marks a continuation of the strengthening defense ties between Washington and Riyadh, following significant diplomatic engagements earlier in the year. According to details released regarding the sale, the package is strictly focused on sustaining existing fleets rather than introducing new offensive capabilities. The deal is split evenly between two major components: a $500 million allocation for logistics and spares, and a separate $500 million allocation for comprehensive aviation training.
The proposed sale is structured to ensure the operational readiness of Saudi Arabia’s extensive fleet of American-made rotary-wing military aircraft. Reporting indicates that the package addresses two distinct requirements through separate cases.
The first component is a Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement (CLSSA). This segment covers requisition orders for spare and repair parts essential for maintaining the RSLFAC fleet. According to the notification, the specific aircraft supported under this arrangement include:
The second component involves a Blanket Order Training case. This funding is designated for aviation training services aimed at RSLFAC personnel. The program encompasses flight training for pilots as well as technical maintenance instruction for ground crews. The stated goal of this provision is to ensure that Saudi personnel remain proficient in operating and maintaining their US-origin fleet effectively and safely.
The sale will “support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States” by improving the security of a strategic partner.
, US State Department (via Reuters)
This announcement comes roughly seven months after a major diplomatic milestone between the two nations. In May 2025, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a “Strategic Defense Agreement” framework. Reports from that period suggested the broader pact could be valued at up to $142 billion over time, aimed at modernizing the Saudi military and enhancing interoperability with US forces.
The State Department has justified this specific $1 billion sale by emphasizing regional stability. By maintaining the readiness of the Saudi helicopter fleet, the US aims to bolster the Kingdom’s ability to handle border security, counter-terrorism operations, and transport logistics without altering the fundamental military balance in the region. While the dollar figure is significant, the nature of this package, sustainment and training, is less likely to trigger the same level of legislative friction as the sale of precision-guided munitions or advanced offensive weaponry. Sustainment packages are often viewed by defense analysts as necessary to protect previous US investments and ensure that American-made hardware remains safe to operate.
However, the timing places the deal under the microscope of a polarized Congress. The May 2025 agreement remains a point of contention for lawmakers concerned about human rights issues and the lack of Senate oversight regarding long-term security commitments to Riyadh. Consequently, while this specific maintenance deal is operationally standard, it serves as a political litmus test for the durability of the administration’s renewed strategic partnerships with the Kingdom.
Despite the focus on maintenance, the sale faces scrutiny from progressive members of Congress and human rights organizations. Advocacy groups such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have consistently opposed arms transfers to Saudi Arabia, citing the Kingdom’s human rights record and past conduct in regional conflicts.
According to reporting on the congressional landscape, figures such as Representative Ilhan Omar and Senator Jeanne Shaheen have previously expressed opposition to deepening military ties without strict accountability measures. Critics argue that renewing support signals a lack of pressure regarding domestic dissent and border treatment issues within Saudi Arabia.
Congress now holds a 30-day window to review the sale. While resolutions of disapproval may be introduced, blocking a sale of this nature typically requires a veto-proof majority in both chambers, a high threshold that is historically difficult to reach for logistics and training packages. If no legislative roadblocks are successfully erected, the letters of offer and acceptance (LOA) will be finalized, and contracts will likely be awarded to major US defense primes.
Sources:
US State Department Approves $1 Billion Helicopter Support Package for Saudi Arabia
Breakdown of the Support Package
Logistics and Spares ($500 Million)
Aviation Training ($500 Million)
Strategic Context and Timing
AirPro News Analysis
Political Reaction and Next Steps
Photo Credit: Saudi Ministry of Natioanal Guard
Defense & Military
Daher and Thales Demonstrate EyePulse MALE Drone for French DGA
Daher and Thales completed a rapid flight demo of the EyePulse MALE drone in France, supporting sovereign defense drone capabilities.
On December 2, 2025, Daher announced the successful flight demonstration of its EyePulse prototype, a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV developed in partnership with Thales. The demonstration took place at Daher’s industrial facility in Tarbes, France, marking a significant milestone in the company’s response to a call for projects from the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA).
According to the official press release, the project moved from contract signature to maiden flight in less than six months. This rapid development timeline was intended to showcase the agility of the Daher Group and its ability to meet the DGA’s objective of strengthening sovereign drone capabilities for the French armed forces. The flight was conducted in the presence of a DGA delegation, including Alexandre Lahousse, the agency’s Deputy Director General.
The EyePulse project represents a strategic shift toward modifying certified civil aircraft for defense applications, a process often referred to as “dronization.” Rather than developing a new airframe from scratch, Daher utilized an existing platform to accelerate the integration process. While the press release describes the vehicle generally as an “existing platform,” industry data indicates the EyePulse is derived from Daher’s proven TBM single-engine turboprop series.
Daher’s Tarbes-based “Fly’in” technology center led the initiative, applying expertise in rapid prototyping, artificial intelligence, and embedded systems. By leveraging certified technologies from the civil sector, the company aimed to reduce the technical risks and long lead times typically associated with military procurement.
“The speed at which Daher implemented this demonstration illustrates the company’s agility. Its ability to use certified and proven technological building blocks for new applications greatly facilitates their integration in the defense sector.”
, Alexandre Lahousse, Senior General Engineer of Armament (IGCEA) and DGA Deputy Director General The flight demonstration featured a fully automated sequence, including an autonomous landing phase. As the project architect, Daher integrated the ScaleFlyt avionics system provided by its technology partner, Thales. This system is designed to enable automatic and autonomous flight capabilities while maintaining high safety standards derived from civil aviation certification.
Thales also developed the remote piloting control system, which established a secure ground-to-air data link for the demonstration. According to the release, the system utilizes a “technology-agnostic control principle,” making it interoperable with various systems beyond the EyePulse platform. During the event, the autonomous flight phase was activated from the ground station by IGCEA Alexandre Lahousse, highlighting the operational readiness of the interface. Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of the Daher Aircraft division, emphasized the dual-use nature of the project in a statement:
“As a partner of the armed forces for more than 30 years, Daher is leveraging its innovation capabilities and dual-use industrial expertise to fully contribute to the transformation of France’s defense capabilities… This EyePulse flight demonstration confirms the relevance of our approach and our ability to scale up production.”
, Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft Division The EyePulse demonstration is part of a broader initiative by the French Ministry of Armed Forces to develop sovereign MALE drone capabilities. The DGA launched this call for projects to identify cost-effective, rapidly deployable solutions that can reduce reliance on foreign-manufactured systems. By selecting multiple competitors to produce demonstrators, the DGA aims to foster innovation within the French industrial base.
Daher positions the EyePulse as a modular solution capable of evolving to meet changing operational doctrines. The company asserts that its industrial capacity in France allows for the potential series production of drones, aligning with the government’s desire for sovereign supply chains.
The successful flight of the EyePulse highlights a growing trend in the defense sector: the adaptation of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) platforms for military roles. By utilizing the TBM airframe, a globally certified aircraft known for its speed and payload capacity, Daher significantly de-risked the aerodynamic and structural aspects of the program. This allows the development team to focus almost exclusively on the integration of mission systems and autonomous flight controls.
For the French DGA, this approach offers a potential “middle ground” between expensive, custom-built military drones and smaller, tactical UAVs. If the EyePulse can deliver MALE-class endurance with the logistical footprint of a general aviation turboprop, it could provide a highly exportable asset that circumvents the rigorous certification hurdles facing entirely new unmanned airframes.
Daher and Thales Successfully Demonstrate EyePulse MALE Drone for French DGA
Rapid Prototyping and “Dronization”
Autonomous Flight and Avionics Integration
Command and Control
Strategic Context: The DGA Call for Projects
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Daher
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