Colombian Air Force selects TA/FA-50 made in South Korea скачать в хорошем качестве

Colombian Air Force selects TA/FA-50 made in South Korea

The Colombian Air Force (FAC, Fuerza Aérea Colombiana) has reportedly selected TA-50 and FA-50 jets from South Korea as their next jet trainer aircraft. The FAC plans to procure at least 20 KAI-made trainer jets under the project, which is estimated to be worth $600 million, according to Defense News. However, the FAC has denied negotiations are underway for the South Korean-made trainer/fighter jet. Local sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press, said the Colombian government had recognized the Air Force's preference for South Korean jets. To note, previously the Italian company, Leonardo had been selected during the competition process for the FAC which offered the M-346 advanced trainer jet. Regarding the procurement of this new fighter training jet, FAC wants to immediately replace the aging A-37B Dragonfly attack jet made by Cessna, USA, which has been retired since June 2021. The new aircraft are also expected to temporarily fill a capability gap left by Israel's aging Kfir fleet , as Colombia's frontline fighter jets. FAC itself will begin to consecrate Kfir in 2023. If the FA/TA-50 is acquired, it will be a continued defense cooperation between Colombia and South Korea. Previously, in 2012, the Colombian Navy purchased the South Korean-made SSM-700K anti-ship missile. Then in 2014 and 2020, the South Korean Navy donated used corvettes to its Colombian counterpart.