The Spanish government has proposed a 'Swap Deal' of its Airbus A400M transport aircraft with South Korean KT-1 and T-50 trainer aircraft.
Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft
Photo Source: Airbus
Representatives from both governments are expected to meet later this month in Madrid to discuss defense partnerships. Among the topic that will be discussed is aircraft procurement between the two governments.
According to inside sources, Spain has shown interest in trading 4~6 Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft with around 30 KT-1 Woongbi basic trainer aircraft and 20 T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer aircraft manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The Spanish Air Force currently operates aging fleet of T-35 Pillán and C-101 Aviojet trainer aircraft.
Spanish officials reportedly expressed such interest last July during Farnborough Airshow held in the United Kingdom and has yet to receive an answer.
34 KT-1, 20 T-50, and various ground equipment are expected to cost approximately $1.8 billion. A400M's unit cost is estimated to be around $187 million according to a French military report from 2013.
Spanish officials reportedly expressed such interest last July during Farnborough Airshow held in the United Kingdom and has yet to receive an answer.
34 KT-1, 20 T-50, and various ground equipment are expected to cost approximately $1.8 billion. A400M's unit cost is estimated to be around $187 million according to a French military report from 2013.
KT-1 Woongbi basic trainer aircraft
T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer aircraft
Photo Sources: Korea Aerospace Industries
The Spanish Ministry of Defence has ordered 27 A400M from Airbus, but has decided withhold putting 13 of these aircraft into service.
This news comes at a time where the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is looking to beef up its tactical airlift fleet. The ROKAF was originally set to operate a total of 19 C-130 series of aircraft, but was only able to procure 16 due to budget restraints. It expressed interest in the C-17, but the production ceased before any decision was made.
An unnamed Air Force official claims that additional transport aircraft are needed for supporting foreign peacekeeping operations and evacuation of its citizens. The ROKAF recently deployed multiple C-130s to Indonesia for humanitarian operations, to Saipan for citizen evacuation, and to Alaska for participation in Red Flag exercise.
The ROKAF currently operates 4 C-130J Super Hercules, 12 C-130H Hercules, and 18 CN-235 transport aircraft. It is also set to receive first of four A330 MRTT refueling aircraft, which can also be used in transport role.
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