KAI Participates in Colombian Defense Exhibition... Targeting $3 Billion Latin American Market

KAI booth at Expodefensa 2021 held in Bogota, Colombia.

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced on the 1st that it participated in 'Expodefensa 2021,' a defense industry exhibition held in Bogota, Colombia, to conduct marketing aimed at expanding its presence in the Latin American market.

Celebrating its 8th edition this year, 'Expodefensa 2021,' the largest defense industry exhibition in South America, featured participation from 150 companies across 25 countries.

At the exhibition, KAI showcased the FA-50 light attack aircraft, which has recently been gaining attention in the Latin American market, highlighting the performance of domestically produced aircraft and their excellent training effectiveness. Colombia is currently pursuing a replacement project for its aging fleet of 24 A-37 light attack aircraft valued at 1 billion USD, and KAI proposed the export version of the FA-50 with extended air-to-air and air-to-ground armaments and increased range.

Colombian President Iv?n Duque visited the KAI exhibition booth and said, “I recently discussed defense cooperation with President Moon Jae-in during my visit to Korea,” adding, “Since we are well aware of the excellence of the FA-50, I hope this good proposal can contribute to the modernization of the Colombian Air Force.”

In response, KAI Executive Director Han-il Kim stated, “We will offer the optimal proposal for the development of Colombia’s air power and defense industry,” and requested, “We ask for the Colombian government’s interest and support.”

The Latin American market, including Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and Uruguay, is a key marketing region where the introduction of approximately 60 light attack aircraft worth 3 billion USD is expected.

KAI entered the South American market in 2011 by exporting 20 KT-1P basic trainer aircraft to Peru and is strengthening marketing efforts in the Latin American market based on the stable operation and high satisfaction of the Peruvian Air Force. At the Dubai Airshow held on the 18th, KAI also introduced the FA-50 and T-50 and discussed cooperation with senior officials of the Uruguayan Air Force.

After this exhibition, KAI plans to visit Peru, which is currently conducting a multi-purpose light attack aircraft procurement project, to promote the FA-50.

The Korean government also supported the export of domestically produced aircraft at this exhibition.

A Korean government delegation, including Air Force Chief of Staff In-ho Park, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, met with the Colombian Minister of Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff to introduce the excellence of the FA-50 and discuss military exchanges and defense industry cooperation between the two countries. In particular, Chief Park plans to move to Peru after the exhibition to meet with the designated Peruvian Minister of Defense and the Air Force Commander to support the export of the FA-50.

Meanwhile, the Korean government previously held the ‘Team Korea Resolution Event’ at the Dubai Airshow with KAI to export 1,000 domestically produced aircraft and pledged active government support.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.