SEOUL, Aug. 26 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin will visit Indonesia early next month for talks mainly aimed at securing a US$1 billion deal to export attack submarines to Jakarta, officials said Friday.

   South Korea is seeking to sell its diesel-electric attack submarines to Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago that is working to modernize its aging naval fleet.

   During his three-day visit beginning Sept. 7, Kim plans to hold talks with his Indonesian counterpart Purnomo Yusgiantoro, a military official said on the condition of anonymity.

   "During the visit, there is a possibility that (South Korea's) Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine would be chosen as a preferred bidder for Indonesia's submarine acquisition program," the official said.

   At the request of Indonesian officials, Kim will be accompanied on his visit to Jakarta by executives from nine South Korean defense contractors, including Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine, according to the official.

   In April, Indonesia selected South Korea as the preferred bidder for its jet trainer project and the two sides have been in negotiations on price and other details.

   If a final deal is sealed, it will allow South Korea to export its T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic trainer jet for the first time.

   kdh@yna.co.kr
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