New TA-50 trainer jet delivered to Air Force

SEOUL, Dec. 28 (Yonhap) -- The state arms procurement agency on Thursday delivered the first model of the new TA-50 Block 2 trainer jet to the Air Force.

The delivery is part of a 1 trillion-won (US$771.8 million) project to supply 20 TA-50 Block 2 trainers to the Air Force through 2026, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The homegrown supersonic jet -- a variant of the T-50 series aircraft built by Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. -- will be used to train future fighter pilots in arms and radar operations among other tactics before their assignment to fighter units, said the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

Compared with the TA-50 Block 1, the new Block 2 version is equipped with lighting suitable for night vision equipment and has improved joint direct attack munition operational capabilities, according to DAPA.

The T-50 series includes the FA-50 light attack aircraft, which is currently being used by Poland and the Philippines.

yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
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