On August 19, 2024, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) of South Korea and Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) of Thailand formalized a significant joint support agreement for the T-50TH Golden Eagle fighter and trainer aircraft. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks a critical step in strengthening the partnership between the two nations in the realm of military aviation. The MOU outlines the establishment of a future Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center in Thailand, a strategic move that KAI believes will enhance the operational efficiency of the T-50TH aircraft. This agreement is also a precursor to a performance-based logistics (PBL) contract that KAI and TAI are preparing to finalize with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).
According to KAI, this collaboration is set to significantly improve the operational availability of the T-50TH fleet and aims to develop long-term cooperation strategies, including the potential establishment of an aircraft maintenance base in Asia and exploration of new markets. The anticipated logistics agreement mirrors the successful model used with the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF), the world’s largest operator of the T-50 family, which includes the TA-50 and FA-50 variants. Currently, the Royal Thai Air Force operates 14 T-50TH aircraft from Squadron 401, Wing 4, stationed at Takhli in Nakhon Sawan Province. In addition, KAI has proposed the FA-50 light fighter as a potential option for Thailand’s upcoming 12-fighter procurement program, competing against the Lockheed Martin F-16V Block 70/72 and the Saab Gripen E/F.
KAI’s international footprint continues to expand. In July 2023, KAI established an office in Poland to support the procurement of 48 FA-50 light attack aircraft, with a dedicated factory set up at the Polish Air Force’s Mińsk Mazowiecki air base. Earlier in July 2024, KAI entered into a parts manufacturing agreement with Peru’s Sema MRO center, preparing for a possible acquisition of FA-50s by Peru, which is also contemplating joining the KF-21 Boramae fighter program. Thailand’s fighter procurement project, which aims to replace the Lockheed Martin F-16A/B ADF with new aircraft for the fiscal years 2025-2034, is currently under review. Lockheed Martin and Saab are expected to submit their final proposals by August 20, 2024, with a decision anticipated by the end of the month. The FA-50 light attack fighter remains a strong contender in this competition.
The procurement plan also includes potential replacements for the Northrop F-5E/F TH Super Tigris and the Dornier Alpha Jet A TH, with a timeline extending to fiscal years 2031-2035. Political developments in Thailand could impact the procurement timeline. Following the removal of former Prime Minister Chatchai Thavisin due to corruption charges, the current Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra and the Thai Defense Minister Suthin Khlangsaeng have yet to finalize a new cabinet. Consequently, decisions on major defense procurement projects are expected to be delayed until a new government is in place.
