Iraq orders 24 T-50s from KAI

Above: A Korean Air Force T-50B fascinates thousands of spectators with an aerial demonstration during the Farnborough International Air Show in England, 15 July, 2012.
Courtesy USAF

Yesterday the Government of Iraq and KAI announced in Baghdad, that the contract is signed for exporting its indigenous 24 T-50 aircrafts to Iraq, including training for Iraqi pilots, amounting to approximately $1.1 billion.

The signing ceremony was made with KAI's president and CEO, Ha Sung-yong, Defense Acquisition Program Administration's Administrator, Lee Young-geol and the ROKAF deputy chief of staff, Kim Hyung-chol as well as Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in attendance.

Following the contract, KAI will be entitled to supply its follow-on support to the Iraq Air Force for over two decades. The combined amount of export would reach more than $2 billion.

In April 2011, KAI introduced the T-50-variant aircraft to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki during his visit to Korea and set out on marketing the trainer to Iraq. After July of the same year, the company started to enter negotiations with Iraq in earnest.

KAI has since then fiercely competed with advanced nations in the aviation Industry, such as the UK, Russia and the Czech Republic - with the Hawk-128 of BAE, Yak-130 of Yakovlev and L-159 of Aero respectively - for Iraq's trainer selection.

"I am much thankful to the Iraqi Government for purchasing the T-50 aircraft. I think that the T-50 is the most optimal aircraft suitable for Iraq’s military operations. We will make our utmost efforts to support Iraqi Air Force and ensure the smooth operation of the T-50," said Ha Sung-yong, president and CEO of KAI.

He added: "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."