The program will cover 47-month long studies. According to the KAI, the Marineon helicopter, which is being developed for Korea, will be adapted for mine warfare capability. The value of the program is announced as USD 270 million. Interoperability is the company"s focus to reduce operation and maintenance costs and increase operational readiness.
Three different mission equipment can be used on Marineon for mine countermeasures role. Components will be used for search, identification and disposal/defuse of naval mines. Systems will consist of laser mine search equipment and an unmanned mine neutralisation system. Deepwater mine search will be conducted with another system.
Mine countermeasure infrastructure is one of the most critical capabilities for the Republic of Korea under North Korean threat. The country is almost entirely dependent on maritime supply routes to sustain the entire country. A possible mine-laying attempt can cripple the Republic of Korea in case of assault from the north. Even only sabotage purpose as well harm the economy of the country.
