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| Korea Aerospace Industries Launches First FA-50GF Light Fighter Aircraft To Poland |
Seoul - Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) launched its first FA-50GF Light Fighter Aircraft (LCA) for the Polish Air Force. This aircraft will be delivered to Poland in the middle of this year. The delivery of the aircraft is the realization of the signing of the 48 FA-50 procurement contract between the Government of Poland and KAI worth around 2.5 billion USD on 27 July 2022.
The aircraft will fill three fighter jet squadrons of the Polish Air Force where 12 FA-50GF units will be received until mid-2024. The Polish government says KAI's ability to deliver aircraft quickly is one of the determining factors for Poland to choose the FA-50. All 48 FA-50s will be received by Poland in 2025.
This acquisition was felt urgent given the conflict in Ukraine and the growing need to replace the last MiG-29 and Su-22.
The FA-50GF was developed from the FA-50 Block 10 with the addition of the AAQ-33 Sniper pod designator. The aircraft is also equipped with NATO-compliant Friend or Foe Identification (IFF) and equipped with a Link 16 data link. Armament options include AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles (AAM) and AGM-65 Maverick Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASM).
Meanwhile, another variant of the FA-50PL which is equivalent to Block 20 is equipped with a number of new features, including matched fuel tanks, retractable refueling probe, APG-83 AESA radar and the ability to carry a much wider range of weapons, including AAM beyond visual range and mid-range ASM. The FA-50GF variant, which will be delivered first, will also be upgraded to FA-50PL standard.