A KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle. – Republic of Korea Armed Forces
SEOUL: Korea Aerospace Industries Co (KAI), South Korea's sole aircraft manufacturer, says it has secured a 1.2 trillion won (RM4.08bil) contract to sell 18 fighter jets to Malaysia, with delivery to begin in 2023.
KAI said they had signed a deal with the Defence Ministry for 18 FA-50 light attack aircraft, beating India's Tejas, Pakistan's JF-17, Russia's MIG-35 and Turkey's Hurizet, Yonhap news agency reported the company as saying in a statement on Friday (Feb 24).
This is the fourth aircraft deal KAI has signed with a South-East Asian country after Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.
With the latest deal, KAI has sold 68 KT-1 basic and T-50 advanced trainer jets, as well as FA-50 aircraft, to South-East Asian markets.
Globally, it has obtained deals to supply 222 aircraft to countries such as include Iraq, Poland, Peru and Senegal.
KAI also expects to win a deal to provide another 18 FA-50s to Malaysia as the country plans to beef up its aircraft fleet, according to the report.
KAI aims to expand exports of its aircraft to the Middle East, Africa, Australia, the United States and other. – Bernama
