KAI sells trainers, upgrades to Indonesian Air Force

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed a 100 billion won ($89.6 million) contract with the Indonesian Air Force on Thursday.

The aircraft maker will export three KT-1B basic trainers and upgrade radars and guns for the T-50i advanced jet. Under the deal, KAI needs to deliver the KT-1B trainer jets within 28 months and make the upgrades to the T-50i jets within 25 months of the contract going into effect.

The agreement was formalized at the KAI booth set up at the Indo Defense 2018 Expo & Forum held in Indonesia. Kim Jo-won, CEO of KAI, and Agus Setiadji, head of Indonesia’s Defense Facilities Agency, signed the contract.

This is KAI’s fourth export to the country following three deals signed between 2001 and 2008.

The KT-1B is the Indonesian version of the KT-1, while the T-50i is the Indonesian version of KAI’s T-50 advanced jet.

The integration of the radar and gun systems following the latest deal would give the jets light-combat capability, according to KAI.

By Kim Jee-hee