October 21st, 2025
KT-1B Woong Bee Aircraft to Be Developed in Bandung
SEOUL, KOMPAS — PT Dirgantara Indonesia and Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) on Monday (October 20, 2025) agreed to strengthen their partnership. The step was marked by the signing of a framework agreement related to the KT-1B Woong Bee aircraft development program. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the ADEX 2025 aerospace and defense exhibition in Seoul, South Korea.
PT Dirgantara Indonesia was represented by Director of Commerce, Technology, and Development Moh Arief Faisal, while KAI was represented by EVP of Global Business Development Division Cho Woo Rae. After the signing, Arief explained that the agreement was an initial step toward joint production of the KT-1B Woong Bee.
However, Arief did not specify when the production process would begin. The KT-1B Woong Bee is a trainer aircraft that has been used by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) for decades. The aircraft’s KT-1B variant is currently operated by the Jupiter Aerobatic Team of the Indonesian Air Force.
“Since KAI will no longer produce it, PT DI will take over the production of the KT-1B Woong Bee through this partnership,” said Arief. Gradually, the aircraft’s production line will be moved to PT DI’s manufacturing center in Bandung.
Later, PT DI will handle maintenance services and fulfill aircraft orders, especially across the Asian region. Besides Indonesia, the KT-1B Woong Bee is also operated by the air forces of South Korea, Peru, and Turkey.
Furthermore, Arief mentioned that this collaboration opens opportunities for Indonesia to enhance its expertise in military and trainer aircraft development, which could also be applied to the ongoing KF-21 Boramae fighter jet program.
KAI expressed similar optimism, stating that the agreement reflects the company’s trust in Indonesia’s capability and experience as a reliable partner in the aerospace industry.
Indonesia began using the KT-1 Woong Bee in 2003, replacing the T-34 Charlie trainer aircraft that had been used since 1979 and was originally manufactured by Beechcraft Corporation (USA). In military aviation, the KT-1 has also been developed for counter-insurgency (COIN) missions.
In South Korea’s defense industry history, the KT-1 Woong Bee marked an important milestone toward self-reliance in aerospace technology. South Korean Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Son Sug-rag stated that both the KT-1 Woong Bee and the T-50 Golden Eagle—also used by the Indonesian Air Force—represent key achievements in the nation’s defense industry.
According to Son, these aircraft have become an integral part of South Korea’s defense and export success. The T-50, which evolved into the FA-50 light fighter, has even proven its combat effectiveness (“battle proven”). Philippine Air Force pilots successfully deployed the FA-50 during the Liberation of Marawi mission in 2017, which aimed to restore stability in the region.
Source: https://www.kompas.id/artikel/kt-1b-woong-bee-bakal-dikembangkan-di-bandung