Bangladesh, Philippines in talks with KAI for possible order of KT-1 Woongbi trainers

The KAI KT-1 Woongbi. Photo c/o Doo Ho Kim.

The diplomats of Bangladesh and the Philippines to South Korea confirmed that there are ongoing discussions with South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) on potential sale of the company’s KT-1 Woongbi turboprop trainer aircraft.

In a report by Korea JoongAng Daily, Bangladesh Ambassador to South Korea Abida Islam confirmed her country is considering the KT-1 aircraft for requirements of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), but has not confirmed the exact quantity and will still be dependent on the price. 

Based on the Bangladesh government's previous announcements on planned procurements, the BAF plans to acquire 24 primary trainer aircraft.

Meanwhile, Philippines chargé d’affaires Christian De Jesus confirmed that talks are ongoing with the Philippine government on the possible purchase of the KT-1 for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines confirmed to APDJ that the PAF is looking 12 new trainer aircraft to eventually replace its existing SIAI Marchetti S.211 basic jet trainers which first saw service in the early 1990s. The KT-1 is said to be among those contending for the project, and is competing against other models including the Aero Vodochody L-39NG and the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II.

The Philippines already operates the KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle lead-in trainer / light combat aircraft, and previously considered the KAI KUH-1 Surion helicopter, before deciding to go with another model.

Currently the KT-1 Woongbi is in service with the air forces of South Korea, Indonesia, Peru, and Turkey. 


[1] Korea JoongAng Daily
[2] United News of Bangladesh
[2] MaxDefense Philippines