This undated file photo, provided by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, shows the entrance to the agency’s office in Gwacheon, south of Seoul. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 14 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea and Colombia on Wednesday signed an agreement to mutually recognize the airworthiness certification of their military aircraft, the state arms procurement agency said, in a boost for Seoul’s efforts to export aircraft to the South American country.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said it signed the document with Colombia’s Aerospace Force, allowing the two sides to recognize each other’s airworthiness certification of their homegrown military planes.
Airworthiness is a key measure of a plane’s suitability for safe flight.
It marks Seoul’s first such signing with a South American country, after clinching such agreements with the United States, Spain, France, Australia and Poland.
DAPA said it expects the move to give Seoul an advantage in Colombia’s efforts to replace its aging fleet of light attack aircraft.
Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd., South Korea’s sole jet manufacturer, has pushed for further exports of its FA-50 light attack aircraft after securing deals with Poland, Malaysia and others.
DAPA said it plans to sign more mutual military airworthiness certification deals with countries in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America.
(Yonhap)
