Source: DTN News - compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources including Defense News
The report, quoting anonymous industry sources, said the decision to buy Italian M-346 trainers was the second major loss to the Italians for KIA. Last year the United Arab Emirates also chose the Italian planes over KIA's T-50 Golden Eagle, which are built in partnership with Lockheed Martin.
The deal with the United Arab Emirates for 48 aircraft was worth $1.3 billion.
"I've been told that the T-50 suffered another defeat apparently, as the M-346 has been picked up as the preferred bidder for the trainer jet contest in Singapore," the report quoted an unidentified industry source. "The Singapore government has yet to make public the result of its decision … and is expected to announce it soon."
The report said KAI spokesmen were unavailable for comment and an Aermacchi spokesman offered no information. A spokesman for Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration couldn't confirm the report.
The South Korean government owns a 30.5 percent share of KAI.
The report last week said the Italian deal with the United Arab Emirates has yet to be finalized over a side agreement on joint development of unmanned aerial vehicles and KAI is hoping to reopen talks with the country over its trainers.*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com
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