Korea Aerospace Inks $64M Deal Indonesia to Extend KT-1B Trainer Lifespan

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has signed a $64 million contract with Indonesia for the airframe life extension of KT-1B basic trainers used by the Indonesian Air Force.

The project will extend the operational life of the aircraft by reinforcing the fuselage and wings, increasing their lifespan by approximately 150%. The initiative includes disassembly, inspection, and a detailed assessment of each aircraft’s condition.

Indonesia has received 20 KT-1B trainers since 2003, using them for pilot training and aerobatic displays with the ‘Jupiter’ team. The project will be conducted locally, with KAI dispatching experts to work alongside the Indonesian Air Force and local aviation firms, including PTDI.

KAI aims to position Indonesia as a Southeast Asian hub for maintaining domestically produced aircraft. The company has exported 224 aircraft worldwide and is expanding aftermarket services, which can generate up to five times an aircraft's acquisition cost.

KAI President Kang Gu-young highlighted plans to expand support for various platforms, including the T-50 series and Surion helicopters. Indonesia remains a key partner, having jointly developed the KF-21 fighter and introduced KAI aircraft into its fleet. KAI recently signed an MOU with PT PDS to train aviation experts and is strengthening industrial ties in the region.