Lockheed Martin, Korea Aerospace Industries, PARIS: Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) and Lockheed Martin will jointly study and evaluate the advanced jet training needs of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) and the potential contribution each could make if the T-50 Training System should be selected. The agreement provides for a one-year study, but could be extended if all parties concur.
Executives from the three companies signed a memorandum of understanding today at the Paris Air Show. Signing the document were H.J. Chung, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of KAI; Tassos Philippakos, CEO of HAI; and Ralph Heath, Lockheed Martin executive vice president-Aeronautics.
“We think the T-50 could be one of the great trainers of all time,” said Chung. “KAI has been eager to expand our international involvement to Europe, and this collaborative effort could be an excellent opportunity to begin. This reminds me of how the T-50 started about 10 years ago — as the KTX II conceptual study between KAI's predecessor Samsung Aerospace and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' predecessor General Dynamics — for a new jet trainer for the Republic of Korea Air Force. That dream will be a full reality next year.”
“HAI is looking forward to this cooperation among our three companies in a truly multi-national effort, to study the potential benefits for the Greek Defense Industry, if such aircraft is selected by the Hellenic Ministry of Defense,” said Philippakos.
“The T-50 has been a tremendously successful program thus far, and we are proud of our contribution to the development program,” said Heath. “We look forward to the opportunity to work with our two long-time friends and industrial partners, only now as a strong three-way team. We also are eager to expand our relations with the HAF and Greek Ministry of National Defense.”
Each company has competencies that will provide a good fit for the collaborative effort:
— KAI, the prime contractor and builder of the T-50, has an excellent track record of meeting program milestones in a lean production environment.
— HAI, as Greece's national aerospace industry, has particular insights into HAF requirements and Greece's procurement process, and would likely be a key participant in industrial cooperation in a T-50 production program for Greece.
— Lockheed Martin, as the world leader in military aircraft and principal subcontractor for development of the T-50, has expertise in requirements analysis and marketing. In addition, Lockheed Martin has extensive experience in international industrial cooperation and working with the HAF and Greek MND on three F-16 programs.
All three companies are well known for their high-quality production of aircraft components and international industrial cooperation. All have been substantially involved in F-16 production on several occasions going back to the 1980s.
