Thai Air Force deploys Korean supersonic jets

The Thai Air Force completed the deployment of its first four T-50TH supersonic trainer jets imported from Korea, the manufacturer of the aircraft said Thursday.

The Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said a ceremony was held at the Takhli Air Force Base, some 240 kilometers (149 miles) northwest of Bangkok. It was attended by the country’s Air Force Chief Johm Rungswang, Seoul’s ambassador to Thailand Noh Kwang-il, KAI President Kim Jo-won and dozens of other officials.

“I appreciate the Thai air force’s active support for the deployment of the T-50TH,” Kim said during the event. “We will continue to make contributions to follow-up programs for the modernization of its air power.”

KAI, Korea’s sole aircraft maker, signed a 110-million-dollar contract with Thailand in 2015 for the sale of the four planes. They were delivered to the Southeast Asian nation earlier this year.

The T-50THs will begin to replace the nation’s existing L-39 trainer aircraft. KAI clinched another deal, worth $260 million, to supply Thailand with eight additional T-50THs. Their delivery is scheduled to take place by 2020.

KAI said the successful debut of the T-50 Golden Eagle in Thailand is expected to have a positive effect on efforts to export more light attack aircrafts.

Yonhap