Korea Aerospace Industries and Slovak state-owned aeronautical maintenance company LOTN signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on industrial cooperation in the framework of the FA-50 offering for the Slovak Air Force.
Through this MoU, KAI seeks to discuss industrial cooperation plans with LOTN for the FA-50’s participation in the procurement competition for advanced trainer and light attack aircraft. Slovakia is considering the replacement of the aging L-39 advanced trainer, and the FA-50 is considered one of the strongest candidates to succeed it. The requirement is for 10 aircraft.
The Slovak Ministry of Defense delegation observed the flight of the T-50B Black Eagle aerobatic team and KAI’s showroom during ADEX 2021 in Seoul in October, and conducted a test drive of KAI’s headquarters aircraft production facilities and FA-50.
KAI is looking to advance into the European market for trainer and light attack aircraft, including Slovakia. If the export to Slovakia is successful, it will be the first case of Korean fighter aircraft export to EU/NATO countries.
KAI plans to expand its business into those of training services to train fighter pilots in addition to the sale of aircraft itself, as EU/NATO countries are actively replacing the latest older fighters and trainers.
KAI President Ahn Hyeon-ho said, «Starting with Slovakia, the groundwork will be laid for the FA-50 to enter the European market.»
Currently, 72 T-50 series aircraft have been exported to a total of 4 countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Iraq, and the high levels of customer satisfaction are attracting attention from neighboring countries, as well as new orders from users.
Indonesia and Thailand, operators of the T-50 (advanced training and light attack), repurchased six and two additional units, respectively, in July this year based on the aircraft’s excellent performance and the good results of follow-up logistics support.
KAI plans to strengthen its marketing activities in developed markets such as Malaysia, Colombia and Senegal, as well as in North America and Oceania.
KAI aims to expand export of the FA-50 to a total of 1,000 units over the next 20 years by continuously reducing costs and improving performance.
