Iraq orders T-50

On 12 December 2013, in a major breakthrough for the Korean AJT, the Government of Iraq signed a $1.1 billion contract for 24 Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 advanced jet trainers, the second international customer for the type. The first aircraft will be delivered in April 2016, with all 24 to be transferred within a 12-month period. The contract also covers training for Iraqi pilots, while KAI will provide follow-on support for the fleet for 20 years, bringing the entire value of the contract to over $2 billion. The trainer will be designated as the T-50IQ in Iraqi service and be based on the most advanced version of the T-50, the FA-50, which can serve both as an advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft.

The FA-50 is powered by the GE F.404 engine and is equipped with an Israeli built Elta Systems EL/M-2032 radar, Link 16 tactical data link, radar warning receivers and a night vision imaging system. It is capable of carrying up to 4,500 kg of weapons on external hardpoints, has a 20mm internal cannon and can carry air-to-air missiles. The T-50 is also to compete in the US Air Force’s future T-X competition to replace the Northrop T-38, with the model to be offered in conjunction with development partner Lockheed.