Bell, April 29, 2026 - Fort Worth, TX - Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to explore solutions based on the MV-75 for the Republic of Korea’s High Speed Medium Utility Helicopter (HSMUH) program, aligned with U.S. Government priorities and policies.
This cooperative effort between Bell and KAI reflects our shared vision of next generation vertical lift based on the MV-75, delivering the peak performance and capabilities through significantly enhanced speed, range, and maneuverability that a tiltrotor can offer.
Together, Bell and KAI will assess solutions that offer unmatched capability, to include leveraging a modular open systems approach (MOSA) that will enable the Republic of Korea (ROK) forces to rapidly and affordably modify the weapons system to support their military operations.
Jeff Schloesser, senior vice president, Strategic Pursuits, Bell, said “Bell is excited to work with KAI. MV-75 represents the next generation of vertical lift. HSMUH presents another opportunity to extend the reach of this advanced capability and interoperability with U.S. allies and partners.”
Bell and KAI will explore opportunities for industrial cooperation to support the effort as it continues to mature. This collaboration with KAI supports efforts to deliver a transformational capability. Bell is committed to working with KAI and identifying the best solution possible for the ROK.
Helis - The High-Speed Medium Utility Helicopter (HSMUH) program is a central component of South Korea’s broader military transformation under Defense Reform 4.0, aimed at developing a highly mobile, networked, and technology-driven force. Initiated by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the program seeks to replace conventional utility helicopters that, while dependable, lack the speed and operational reach required for rapid maneuver across the Korean Peninsula’s mountainous terrain. A key requirement is the development of a platform capable of exceeding 250 knots, representing a substantial increase over traditional helicopter performance and reflecting the need for faster response in high-intensity conflict scenarios.
At its core, HSMUH is designed to enhance operational agility and survivability during troop insertion and logistics missions. By reducing exposure time in contested airspace, high-speed rotorcraft can significantly lower vulnerability to modern air defense systems. The program also emphasizes advanced features such as reduced observability, integrated digital systems, and real-time data exchange, enabling seamless coordination with unmanned aerial systems and other networked battlefield assets within the Republic of Korea Army.
Beyond immediate operational benefits, the HSMUH initiative reflects South Korea’s long-term strategy to strengthen domestic aerospace capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign platforms. Led by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the program supports the development of indigenous technologies that combine vertical lift with high-speed forward flight characteristics. In doing so, it aims to position South Korea as a competitive player in next-generation rotorcraft while ensuring that future utility aircraft are specifically tailored to the country’s unique geographic and security requirements.
This cooperative effort between Bell and KAI reflects our shared vision of next generation vertical lift based on the MV-75, delivering the peak performance and capabilities through significantly enhanced speed, range, and maneuverability that a tiltrotor can offer.
Together, Bell and KAI will assess solutions that offer unmatched capability, to include leveraging a modular open systems approach (MOSA) that will enable the Republic of Korea (ROK) forces to rapidly and affordably modify the weapons system to support their military operations.
Jeff Schloesser, senior vice president, Strategic Pursuits, Bell, said “Bell is excited to work with KAI. MV-75 represents the next generation of vertical lift. HSMUH presents another opportunity to extend the reach of this advanced capability and interoperability with U.S. allies and partners.”
Bell and KAI will explore opportunities for industrial cooperation to support the effort as it continues to mature. This collaboration with KAI supports efforts to deliver a transformational capability. Bell is committed to working with KAI and identifying the best solution possible for the ROK.
South Korea HSMUH
Helis - The High-Speed Medium Utility Helicopter (HSMUH) program is a central component of South Korea’s broader military transformation under Defense Reform 4.0, aimed at developing a highly mobile, networked, and technology-driven force. Initiated by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the program seeks to replace conventional utility helicopters that, while dependable, lack the speed and operational reach required for rapid maneuver across the Korean Peninsula’s mountainous terrain. A key requirement is the development of a platform capable of exceeding 250 knots, representing a substantial increase over traditional helicopter performance and reflecting the need for faster response in high-intensity conflict scenarios.
At its core, HSMUH is designed to enhance operational agility and survivability during troop insertion and logistics missions. By reducing exposure time in contested airspace, high-speed rotorcraft can significantly lower vulnerability to modern air defense systems. The program also emphasizes advanced features such as reduced observability, integrated digital systems, and real-time data exchange, enabling seamless coordination with unmanned aerial systems and other networked battlefield assets within the Republic of Korea Army.
Beyond immediate operational benefits, the HSMUH initiative reflects South Korea’s long-term strategy to strengthen domestic aerospace capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign platforms. Led by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the program supports the development of indigenous technologies that combine vertical lift with high-speed forward flight characteristics. In doing so, it aims to position South Korea as a competitive player in next-generation rotorcraft while ensuring that future utility aircraft are specifically tailored to the country’s unique geographic and security requirements.
The MV-75 is a next-generation tiltrotor aircraft combining vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with high-speed, long-range performance similar to fixed-wing aircraft, selected by the US Army for future assault and rapid deployment missions.
See also |
Bell MV-75 Cheyenne II in
Bell Helicopter 
Korea Aerospace Industries 
