South Korea’s Air Force has commenced its deployment of indigenous KT-100 trainer jets for its introductory pilot training course, officials said Wednesday.

According to the officials, the Air Force received the first two KT-100 models from their developer the Korea Aerospace Industries on April 19, and has deployed them for use. KAI conducted the first test-flights of the KT-100 last October.

A total of 20 KT-100 jets will be deployed until December, and they will be used for pilot trainees starting next year. The new trainer jets will replace the Soviet-developed Ilyushin T-103 currently being used in the Air Force.

Officials stressed that with the latest deployment, the Air Force will be able to use homegrown jets in all pilot training courses. The Air Force currently uses the K-1 “Woongbi” for basic training, and the T-50 “Golden Eagle” -- codeveloped by the KAI and U.S.-based Lockheed Martin -- for advanced training.

“By using indigenous jets, the student pilots will be provided with a familiar environment which will help them focus on tactical training. As the trainer jets are developed domestically, the rate of operation for the jets will go up while costs will go down,” the Air Force said.

The deployment ceremony was attended by 80 participants including officials from the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Defense Acquisition Program Administration and KAI.

Air Force Chief of Staff Jeong Kyeong-doo, who hosted the event, tested the capacities of the KT-100 by flying the jet himself before the ceremony.

By Yoon Min-sik (minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)