BRM AERO to Deliver Bristell Trainers to the Republic of Korea Air Force

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration has selected the BRM Aero's Bristell trainer to support the Republic of Korea Air Force’s initial pilot training programme, reinforcing ROKAF’s efforts to modernise and future-proof its training pipeline. The multi-year agreement, announced on 6 February 2026, will introduce a new generation of training aircraft into Air Force service as part of a broader push to enhance training efficiency and operational readiness.

Under the agreement, BRM Aero will deliver a fleet of Bristell B23-915 IFR aircraft, supported by Cockpit Procedure Trainers (CPTs), spares, technical documentation and comprehensive in-country support. Phased deliveries are scheduled between 2026 and 2028, aligning with ROKAF’s broader efforts to modernise its ab initio training pipeline and introduce more efficient, digitally enabled training tools for the next generation of military pilots.

The Bristell B23-915 IFR brings together a modern Garmin glass cockpit with Rotax’s turbocharged 915iSc engine, offering full IFR capability, strong performance margins and fuel efficiency well suited to high-utilisation training environments. For an air force seeking to standardise early-stage training while controlling operating costs, the combination of contemporary avionics and reliable propulsion was a compelling proposition. In practical terms, it also allows student pilots to become familiar with glass cockpit workflows from day one, easing the transition to more complex military platforms later in their training journey.

Selection followed a rigorous Test and Evaluation process led by DAPA in close cooperation with ROKAF. The competition included flight trials and an exhaustive technical assessment against a long list of mandatory and optional requirements. Beyond pure performance, evaluators placed heavy emphasis on lifecycle economics, sustainment planning and the manufacturer’s ability to support the fleet over decades rather than just the initial delivery window. In this regard, BRM Aero’s commitment to long-term production continuity and parts availability proved decisive.

“Being selected by South Korea’s defence procurement agency is a proud moment for our team,” said Martin Bristela, co-founder of BRM Aero. “It confirms that BRM AERO can meet demanding operational and quality standards, and it reinforces the global trust operators place in the Bristell platform. We are approaching this as a long-term programme, with strong in-country support and a clear commitment to sustain the fleet for decades.”

For BRM AERO, the contract represents more than just aircraft deliveries. According to Business Development Director Martin Berka, the programme is structured as a complete training solution. “This contract is not only about delivering aircraft. It is about delivering a complete training solution and supporting it over the long term,” he said. “The Bristell platform is proven with flight schools and operators worldwide, and this programme significantly strengthens our footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. We will build robust local infrastructure in South Korea to ensure readiness, reliability and sustained training operations.”

That local footprint is a central pillar of the deal. The programme includes a comprehensive spares package, ground support equipment, technical publications and structured training for instructors and maintenance personnel. BRM Aero will work with established South Korean partners to build a sustainable support ecosystem, including Hansung Industrial as an authorised Bristell and Rotax service centre and Kyungwoon University as a Rotax-authorised training provider. The intent is to ensure that ROKAF’s training fleet remains mission-ready with minimal downtime, while developing local technical expertise rather than relying exclusively on overseas support.

Strategically, the decision also reflects a broader trend in military flight training: the increasing use of cost-effective, technologically modern light aircraft for early phases of pilot instruction. As air forces grapple with rising operating costs and the growing complexity of frontline combat aircraft, the value of a robust, affordable ab initio training platform becomes ever clearer. In that context, BRM Aero’s win in South Korea positions the Czech manufacturer as a credible player in a market traditionally dominated by larger defence primes.

The Bristell acquisition promises a more streamlined, modernised entry point into military aviation for ROKAF student pilots. From BRM Aero point of view, it is a high-profile endorsement that could open doors to similar programmes elsewhere in Asia and beyond. Either way, a small Czech-built trainer is about to play a big role in shaping the future of South Korean military aviation training.