As the number of countries introducing light attack aircraft like the FA-50 and Korean helicopters like Surion increases, the simulator exported by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), along with aircraft and packages, is playing a significant role in exports. The simulator is over 95% similar to the actual aircraft and helps train pilots in situations where flying is difficult.

As of the 31st, KAI has delivered 63 simulators to 29 bases in seven countries. Starting with the export of a dedicated simulator along with the KT-1P (a high-level trainer for Peru) in 2015, KAI sold the T-50TH to Thailand in 2020, the FA-50 to the Philippines in 2021, and the T-50i to Iraq and Indonesia in the same year. The simulator is also included in the Surion purchased by Iraq last year. KAI has generated sales of 1.3 trillion won from simulator exports.

KAI's simulator. KAI has delivered a total of 63 simulators to date./Courtesy of KAI

The most important aspects of fighter jet exports are performance and price, but the simulator also plays a significant role, according to industry insiders. An industry official noted, "Assuming 30 fighter jets are purchased, at least three simulators are required. As the need and importance of training equipment increase, continuously maintaining the latest simulator technology has become a competitive advantage in exports."

According to global market research firm Fortune Business, the global simulator market size is expected to grow from $19.67 billion (approximately 27 trillion won) last year to $32.38 billion (approximately 44 trillion won) by 2032. American corporations like Lockheed Martin and Boeing, as well as European defense corporations, are also selling simulators alongside their fighter jets. CAE of Canada leads the simulator market, reportedly holding about 70% market share as the world's largest manufacturer of flight simulation training devices.

As the market size grows, competition in simulator sales is becoming fierce. It is said that more foreign countries are directly experiencing and inspecting simulators.

The KF-21 prototype No. 2 is conducting an armed flight test./Courtesy of Defense Acquisition Program Administration

KAI has expanded its simulator field beyond aviation and ground to maritime as well. The Navy has been operating a high-speed landing craft simulator since February. This product was developed by KAI in-house starting in 2021 and features a motion system that considers maritime environments such as waves.

The Navy is also operating training equipment for KAI's submarine (Jangbogo-Ⅲ). Currently, KAI is developing a simulator that reflects the characteristics of the Korean next-generation fighter KF-21 and a simulator for the light armed helicopter Miron.

KAI is expanding its territory with simulators integrated with artificial intelligence (AI). They are currently developing a training simulation flight system that combines AI-learned aircraft with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) simulators. AR synthesizes virtual objects or information with real environments.

KAI believes that AI aircraft can be assigned various missions and will assist in the Air Force's tactical development. KAI plans to deliver this training system this year.