MOD chief: first two South Korean FA-50 light combat aircraft are in Poland

"The first two FA-50 aircraft for Polish Armed Forces are already in Poland! Ordered in South Korea, the light combat aircraft, which are replacing the post-Soviet equipment, will strengthen the Air Force potential," Mariusz Błaszczak said in a tweet.

Poland has purchased a total of 48 FA-50s from South Korea. The contract for their delivery was signed in September 2022.

FA-50 Fighting Eagle is a South Korean light combat aircraft. It is fitted with a 20 mm three-barrel rotary cannon as well as a wide range of underwing weapons, including air-to-air missiles AIM-9 Sidewinder, air-to-ground missiles AGM-65 Maverick, and a variety of air bombs.

Based on the T-50 trainer’s superior performance and an armament storing capability, the FA-50 aircraft is further developed and upgraded with Tactical Data Link, Precision Guided Munitions, and Self Protection subsystem. Featuring a fighter jet-class flight performance, the FA-50 aircraft has been deployed and operated in the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) since 2013.

In early June, Minister Błaszczak took part in the official roll-out, i.e. the ceremonial departure from the KAI Factory of the first FA-50 Fighting Eagle aircraft for Poland.

"In September last year in Mińsk Mazowiecki, Poland, I had the pleasure and honor to approve the contract for the supply of FA-50 light combat aircraft. The first units are already being delivered to Poland. This is an extremely important moment for the Air Force," Błaszczak said at the time.

He added Poland was disposing of post-Soviet aircraft. "From now on, Polish combat aviation will only use F-16 and FA-50 aircraft, and soon also F-35."