In August 2021, South Korea´s leading aerospace manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced that it had signed a USD 78 million agreement with Thailand for the provision of two T-50TH advanced training jets and related support. The delivery of the aircraft is scheduled for November 2023.
The T-50TH is an advanced training jet customized to the requirements of the Royal Thai Air Force. It is based on T-50, South Korea’s first indigenous supersonic aircraft developed by KAI for the nation’s air force. The T-50 is designed for pilot training as well as engaging in light combat missions. In total, Thailand has acquired 14 T-50THs: four in 2015, eight in 2017 and two in 2021.
The deal follows another contract recently secured by KAI in Indonesia. The South Korean manufacturer won a USD 238 million for the sale of six T-50i jets. Overall, KAI’s total exports of the type amount to 72 units: 14 to Thailand, 22 to Indonesia, 12 to the Philippines and 24 to Iraq.
The company also revealed that it expects to receive further orders for T-50s from Malaysia, and it targets sales of the aircraft to reach the 100-unit milestone by the end of 2021.
(Sources: Pulse News; The Korea Herald)
