The South Korean government has been given until 28 January to update its industrial cooperation package that is part of the proposed sale of the Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 jet trainer to the Israeli air force.
As reported previously by Flightglobal, the value and type of Israeli defence systems that will be purchased by trainer contest bidders South Korea and Italy if their candidate is selected will play a major role in Israel's final selection.
The T-50 is facing competition from the Alenia Aermacchi M-346, with both aircraft having been deemed suitable to replace the Israeli air force's Douglas A-4 Skyhawk advanced trainers.
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Italy has already said that it plans to purchase airborne early warning and control system aircraft from Israel Aerospace Industries, with sources claiming that it has made a written commitment.
A South Korean source said on 17 January that Israel had received a "very generous" offer from Italy and that his country would make an effort to match it. Seoul has until now not been ready to sign an official commitment.
Source: Flight International
