Quito, June 25 (PL-RHC) -- Four member countries of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) have announced their collaboration to build their own planes -- the UNASUR 1 -- a military aircraft for training.

It was announced that representatives of Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador and Venezuela have decided to collaborate to develop the UNASUR 1 plane.

According to the Ministry of Defense of Brazil, it will contribute 38 million USD to the project; Buenos Aires will contribute 16 million USD, and Venezuela and Ecuador three million USD each.

The plane was designed by the Argentinian Brigadier San Martin S.A. Airplane Plant, and in that country it is known as IA-73. It is a low-wing aerobatic model for two pilots, with a fully digital cabin and different options depending on the client.

Once the planes are manufactured, Argentina plans to receive 50, Ecuador 18 and Venezuela 24 -- while Brazil has not ordered any as it has other plans to replace its basic trainer aircraft.

Meanwhile, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patiño described as an historic step for regional independence the decision of the Union of South American Nations. On his Twitter account, Ecuador's top diplomat wrote: "Another historic step in regional integration and independence: UNASUR is building its own planes."