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SEOUL – Korea Aerospace Industries Co. (KAI), South Korea’s sole aircraft manufacturer, said today it has won a 1.2-trillion won (RM4.1 billion, US$920 million) aircraft deal from Malaysia, with delivery set to begin in 2026.
KAI signed the deal with the Malaysian Defence Ministry to export 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 said in a statement.
This is the fourth time KAI has signed an aircraft deal with a Southeast Asian country after Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, the statement said.
With the latest deal, KAI has exported 68 KT-1 basic and T-50 advanced trainer jets, as well as FA-50 aircraft, to Southeast Asian markets.
Globally, it has obtained deals to supply 222 aircraft to countries, which also 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 markets. – Bernama, February 24, 2023
