Peru set to announce purchase of Korean trainer jet KT-1

Peru is set to announce its purchase of Korean-made KT-1 basic trainer jets, the Korean presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae said Thursday.

Peruvian President Ollanta Humala made the statement in his summit with Korean President Lee Myung-bak in Rio de Janeiro Wednesday.

After the summit, a Cheong Wa Dae source said, “Humala first told President Lee that the KT-1 will be selected this week,” and also hinted at Peru`s selection of the trainer as imminent by adding, "The selection of the KT-1 is hoped."

The unscheduled summit was held at the request of the Peruvian president.

If the deal goes through, Peru will be Korea`s third market for trainer jets following Indonesia and Turkey. For the purpose of training fighter pilots, the jet was developed in 1998 with Korean technology and mass production began in 2000.

Peru`s expected purchase is known to be worth 200 million U.S. dollars including 10 KT-1 jets and 10 KA-1 tactical control jets, which are remodeled KT-1s armed with weapons.

On the recent helicopter crash in Peru that killed eight Korean engineers, President Lee said, “I hope this tragedy will turn into an opportunity for cooperation between both countries,” adding, “This is the way to pay respect to the souls of the deceased.”

In response, the Peruvian leader said, “I totally agree with you,” adding, “We had difficulty conducting rescue operations since the accident happened in a mountainous area amid bad weather, but we provided every convenience to the victims and their families.”

“We hope that Korean companies will join our energy and infrastructure sectors and our government will provide all kinds of support.”

srkim@donga.com