KAI participates in Thai defense exhibition

By Kwak Yeon-soo

KAI's booth at Defense & Security 2019 held at Bangkok's IMPSCT Exhibition and Convention Center. / Courtesy of Korea Aerospace Industries

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) showcased its advanced defense and security equipment at Defense & Security 2019 held in Bangkok, the company said Wednesday.

At the four-day event held from Nov. 18 to 21, KAI displayed its KT-1 basic trainers, FA-50 light combat jets and Surion utility helicopters at its booth. The three products boast advanced technology and price competitiveness.

Many high-ranking military officials, including Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo, visited the KAI booth, as the exhibition took place concurrently with the 6th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting.

“The government fully supports domestic defense companies that are making a foray into overseas markets,” Jeong said. He was briefed on pending export issues and difficulties the industry faces in seeking governmental-level support to solve them.

The KAI also held a series of business meetings to seek new orders.

The aerospace company discussed ways to cooperate on pending and future projects with the Thai Air Force, which is ranked 26th in the world in military strength.

It is hoping for additional orders from the Thai Air Force which is seeking to strengthen its military power and provide effective pilot training, it said.

“Thailand has shown a lot of interest in Korean defense and aerospace equipment,” a KAI official said.

“If the Thai Air Force orders more aircraft from us, it will have a positive impact on attracting other Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia and the Philippines.”

KAI has exported 12 T-50 Golden Eagle advanced jet trainer aircraft to Thailand since 2015.