Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

President Park Geun-hye visited the first flight of Korean trainer exported to Peru

 

 

 

The delivery ceremony of the first trainer, KT-1P, the export model of Korean basic trainer KT-1, was held at Las Palmas air base near Lima, Peru, on April 21, local time, attended by officials from both parties including President Park Geun-hye, Peru’s President Ollanta Humala, Air Force Chief of Staff Choi Cha-gyu and Vice Minister of MND Baek Seung-joo.

 

“It is the fruits of co-production of the KT-1P basic trainer both countries have been worked on, and I deeply appreciate for watching its first flight with President Humala. This kind of accomplishment is the combined result of the scientific-technological DNA of Peruvians who built Machu Picchu and the government of President Humala’s will for development of the aviation industry,” said President Park.

 

She also said, “I express my gratitude to Peru for its active interest in Korean models with high technical assessment in the multi-purpose advanced trainer jet business. I hope this project helps aviation cooperation deepen and develop toward a supersonic advanced aircraft.”

 

President Park in particular put emphasis on cooperation between Korea and Peru to be the foundation of the future aviation market frontier in Latin America, saying both countries should cooperate with each other in the aviation industry as well as political, economic and cultural fields based on the KT-1P co-production so the comprehensive strategic partnership is more stable.

 

Regarding this, President Humala said, “I am pleased that the co-production of  KT-1P reached its goal ahead of the original plan. The co-production means not only the reinforcement of the military system but also the diversification of production.”

 

He also hoped other cooperation plans in process in the multi-purpose advanced trainer project go well.

 

The Government of Peru has produced the aircraft for the first time since its establishment in 1821, and evaluated the co-project with Korea as a transparent and successful one that enhances Peruvian pride, constructs industrial infrastructure and is linked to job creation.

 

Korea also assesses that we have a bridgehead toward an aircraft market in Latin America as we secure a local production base of the KT-1P in Peru through this project.

 

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is going to carry out co-marketing in Latin America through a strategic tie-up with SEMAN, Peru’s defense ministry-affiliated national aviation enterprise, playing a role as production base and foothold for follow-ups. After the export contract to Peru in 2012, KAI improved four worn-out facilities and turned them into factories for aircraft assembly, sub-assembly, material storage, painting work, etc.

 

A KAI official said Ecuador and Paraguay’s interests are getting higher by having dispatched technicians to the KT-1P production facility, asking for a tour through a production factory, and inquiring about purchase.

 

“The additional export market in Latin America is estimated at approximately 11 trillion won for the next 10 years with 150 units of T-50 (FA-50), 200 units of KT-1 and 200 units of Surion.

 

 

By Seok-Jong, Lee < seokjong@dema.mil.kr >

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