Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced Monday it has signed a contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for an air-ground communication radio upgrade project covering three aircraft types including the TA-50.
The contract is valued at 163.27 billion won ($112 million), representing 4.5% of KAI's 2024 revenue. The contract period extends through September 30, 2031.
"This performance upgrade project will replace existing radios installed on TA-50, FA-50, and KA-1 aircraft operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force with air-ground communication radios," KAI said.
The TA-50 is a trainer aircraft used for tactical education including air-to-air and air-to-ground firing training following the advanced training course on the T-50, as part of the Air Force's pilot training system.
The FA-50, based on the T-50's performance capabilities and weapons payload capacity, was developed with tactical data links, precision-guided bombs, and self-protection systems. It has been operationally deployed since 2013.
The KA-1, a forward air control aircraft, has been conducting tactical control and search-and-reconnaissance missions since 2006.
