S. Korea gives 15 trainer jets to Philippines for free

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's defense ministry said Sunday that it has given its 15 retired trainer jets, T-41s, to the Philippines for free as part of its military exchange program with allies.

The T-41 Mescalero, a short-range, high-wing trainer aircraft from U.S. maker
Cessna, had been used to train Air Force pilots since the U.S. provided it as
military aid for Korea in 1972. The jets were replaced by a more advanced
aircraft from Russia, the T-103, in 2007.
"Upon the request from the Philippine defense ministry last year, we transfered
the T-41, hoping to enhance military cooperation and create an export environment
for Korean military equipment there," a ministry official said.
The Philippines reportedly plan to use the jets to train its air force pilots,
officials said.
The T-41, 8 meters long, 11 meters wide and 2.7 meters high, can seat up to 4
people.
The Korean military has transferred 12 Patrol Killer Mediums, a type of naval
battle ship, to the Philippines at US$1,200 in 1993 and 137 military trucks and
cranes at US$100 this year.