Possible export of Surion Helicopters and KT-1 Aircraft to the Philippines stalled due to the Pandemic

The KT-1 Woongbi Aircraft, photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

In a recent Press Conference in South Korea, the President and Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) Ahn Hyun-ho said that the Company was in a “favorable situation” to export its Surion Helicopters and KT-1 Woongbi Aircraft to the Philippines. 

However, due to the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Pandemic and resulting cuts to the Philippines' Defense Budget, that prospect is now uncertain. Quoting Mr. Ahn: 

“Also, KAI was in a favorable situation to export Surion Choppers and KT-1 Basic Training Aircraft to the Philippines, but the country sliced Defense Budget amid the pandemic”.

The Woongbi is being eyed as a replacement for the S-211 Basic Jet Trainer (BJT) Aircraft by the Philippine Air Force.

‘KF-X Development’

On a Side Note, during the same Press Conference Mr. Ahn also said that they are targeting a price of Usd 65 million per Aircraft for their upcoming KF-X Fighter Aircraft, but that exports will only start in 2028.

SOURCES: 

* KAI sets sights on Asia No. 1 in ‘New Space’ Era {Archived Link}

* KT-1 Woongbi aircraft eyed as S-211 replacement {Archived Link}

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