[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced on the 30th that it signed the second batch production contract for the TA-50 tactical introduction trainer with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration on the 29th.
This contract involves delivering TA-50 trainer aircraft and comprehensive logistics support systems by 2024, totaling 688.3 billion KRW. The TA-50 is an aircraft for tactical training of Air Force pilots, based on the T-50 advanced trainer, equipped with radar and air-to-air and air-to-ground armaments.
A KAI official stated, "The T-50 series aircraft have been operated by the Air Force since 2005, proving high training effectiveness," and added, "We will deliver flawless quality aircraft to train the best pilots."
Based on this second project, KAI plans to overcome the crisis in the domestic aerospace manufacturing industry and expand into overseas markets.
Currently, a total of 64 T-50 series aircraft have been exported to Indonesia, the Philippines, Iraq, and Thailand. The company explained that these aircraft have attracted high interest from neighboring countries of existing export nations due to their excellent operational performance.
Accordingly, KAI is upgrading the FA-50 to enhance armament capabilities and extend range according to the requirements of potential export customers to expand overseas markets.
KAI stated, "We will target key marketing countries such as Southeast Asia and Latin America by strengthening aircraft cost competitiveness and developing various customer-tailored packages including industry-academia cooperation, financial support, technical assistance, and training."
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