Korea Aerospace Industries on Monday held a reception marking the export of its T-50 trainer jets to Indonesia.

The T-50 is the country’s first supersonic jet developed in collaboration with the U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin. The project took 2 trillion won ($1.8 billion) and 13 years to produce the T-50. 

Under the $400 million contract, signed last month, with the Indonesian defense ministry, Korea Aerospace Industries will ship 16 of the trainer jets to the Southeast Asian country by 2013.

In addition, the state-run aircraft maker is reported to be negotiating with Middle Eastern nations to export its supersonic trainer jets.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the deputy chief of United Arab Emirates’ air force could be visiting Korea as early as next month to discuss issues regarding the T-50.

Along with the UAE defense officials, Iraq is also scheduled to send a delegation regarding the issue.

According to reports, Iraq is considering purchasing 24 trainer jets while the UAE is likely to purchase 50 such aircraft.

By Choi He-suk  (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)