S Korea to export T-50 supersonic jets to Indonesia

South Korea has struck a multi- million-dollar deal to export T-50 supersonic trainer jets to Indonesia, state-run aircraft company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said Thursday.

The deal to sell 16 supersonic jets worth 400 million U.S. dollars to Indonesia was signed in Jakarta Wednesday, the first time for South Korea to export its T-50 Golden Eagles, jointly produced by the KAI and U.S. defense firm Lockheed Martin, officials at the KAI said.

"I believe the cooperative atmosphere currently building up between South Korea and Indonesia in various sectors, including the economic (sector), was fundamental to (winning the contract)," said KAI president Kim Hong-kyung.

The jet maker was named a preferred bidder in April, as Jakarta sought to replace its old Hawk Mk-53 trainer jets.

South Korea has pledged to deliver the 16 jets in 2013, within 18 months after the contract takes effect, Kim added.

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