The governments of Peru and South Korea supported a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the companies Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Seman for the production of components for the FA-50 light fighter.
According to rumors, it would be the backdrop for a future acquisition of up to 24 combat and advanced training aircraft by the Peruvian Air Force.
The format of the partnership should follow the same model that led to the supply of 20 KT-1 training turboprops, 16 of which were assembled locally.
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The Peruvian Air Force urgently needs to replace its fighter fleet, which includes nine Dassault Mirage 2000P supersonic jets and six MiG-29s, all with more than three decades in service.
The Peruvian government’s plans also include developing and training the local defense industry.
KAI and Seman did not detail which components will be produced for the FA-50.
Looking for a customer in South America
Korea Aerospace Industries has struggled in recent years to find a customer in South America, whose air forces do not have large financial resources.
The company reached an initial agreement with Argentina, however, the United Kingdom vetoed the sale due to the supply of Martin Baker ejection seats – there has been a sanction in force since the Falklands War.
There are also conversations with Colombia, which has been trying for years to replace its outdated IAI Kfir, which are about to be retired. Although statements to this effect were made at the beginning of the year, so far there has been no confirmation of an agreement.