BAGHDAD – Government of Iraq and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced a contract was signed for the supply of 24 T-50 aircraft to Iraq, including pilot training, valued over $1.1 billion.
Following the contract, KAI will provide supports to Iraq Air Force for a 20 years period. The combined amount of export would reach more than $2 billion.
The signing ceremony was in Baghdad, Iraq in the presence of Ha Sung-yong KAI's president and chief executive officer, Lee Young-geol South Korea Defense Acquisition Program Administration's administrator, Kim Hyung-chol South Korea Air Force's (ROKAF) deputy chief of staff and Nouri Al-Maliki the Iraqi prime minister.
During Al-Maliki's visit to South Korea in April 2011, KAI introduced the T-50-variant aircraft, few months later the company entered negotiations with Iraq. The South Korean aircraft maker, competed with the Hawk-128 of BAE (U.K.), Yak-130 of Yakovlev (Russia) and L-159 of Aero (Czech Republic).
Ha Sung-yong, president and chief executive officer of KAI, said: "I am much thankful to the Iraqi government to purchase the T-50 aircraft. I think that the T-50 is the most optimal aircraft suitable for Iraq military operations. We will make our utmost efforts to support Iraqi Air Force and ensure the smooth operation of the T-50."
"The T-50 is the most suitable type for the next-generation fighter drills so the prospect of exporting T-50 aircrafts is promising. Also, the T-50 can be operated in a flexible manner ranging from an advanced trainer to a low-class fighter jet."
KAI is has been promoting aircraft to the Philippines, Chile and Botswana.
