South Korea's pilots about to start training with KT-100 basic trainer.

The KT-100 single-prop plane is produced by the country's sole aircraft manufacturer, the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and has met all military requirements after it made its maiden flight in October 2015.

The four-seater plane can be equipped with an identification friend or foe system, as well as video and audio recording devices that will be used to evaluate the trainee pilots.

"There are some 20 T-103s built by Russia's Ilyushin Design Bureau currently in service, and these will be replaced by the same number of KT-100s starting next year," an Air Force official said.

The new planes are to be procured within the year.

The moves will mean all Air Force personnel will be trained to fly on South Korean-made trainer planes.

In addition to the KT-100, the Air Force operates the KT-1 basic trainers, a more powerful turboprop plane, and the jet-powered T-50 advanced trainers and the TA-50 supersonic jet trainers to get its officers accustomed to front-line combat aircraft.

"By using an all-Korean-made plane lineup, the country can save 26 percent of the cost to train its pilots and improve flight training time by 35 percent," according to the KAI. This translates into more time in the air for pilots.

Using locally made planes also reduces the need to import expensive parts and ease maintenance work.

It said that by flying the KT-100, the Air Force will promote the country's aerospace sector, which can contribute to national growth.

The company said South Korea must first use planes it wants to sell abroad because prospective buyers want to check the performance and safety of the airplanes under normal operating conditions.

(Source: Yonhap)