S. Korea Exports Trainer Aircraft To Indonesia
(Source: Korea Information Service; Apr. 25, 2003)
South Korea has become one of the world’s few aircraft exporters by providing trainer airplanes to Indonesia, the Korea Aerospace Industry (KAI) said Friday.
KAI said an official ceremony for the first export of the KT-1B plane was held Friday morning. Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Chappi Hakim and Korean officials from the Defense Ministry attended the ceremony.
It is the first time for the country to export airplanes.
The KT-1B, a modified version of the KT-1, enables air force pilots to prepare for supersonic fighter jets and can be equipped with light arms for combat.
By the end of this year, according to the KAI, it would deliver seven jets plus spare parts as well as provide Indonesian pilots and maintenance staff with flight and maintenance education under a lump-sum $60 million contract with the Indonesian Air Force. It is also negotiating the export of 13 additional KT-1Bs to Indonesia.
The KAI said it could export more than 150 KT-1Bs worth some $500 million by 2012 as over 20 countries have shown keen interest in the plane.
Sign In
May 1, 2003 at 7:29 am