Jerusalem, Aug 2 (Xinhua) The Israeli Air Force is planning to purchase South Korea's T-50 Golden Eagle fighter jets in a bid to replace its ageing Skyhawk fleet, the Ha'aretz daily reported Sunday.

A three-member delegation of the Israeli Air Force is expected to visit Seoul next week to discuss the matter with their South Korean counterparts.

This is the first time in 40 years that Israel is considering to purchase fighter jets outside the US.

The report added that Israel is planning to purchase at least 30 jets to be used in the combat training exercises of trainee pilots.

The T-50, produced by Korean Airspace in collaboration with the US company Lockheed Martin, took its maiden flight in 2002.