Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced on July 27th that it had signed a $3-billion-dollars basic contract with Poland for 48 FA-50 light attack aircraft. The basic contract is a legal contract concluded prior to the performance contract in the Polish procurement process.
KAI reported that, in addition to the advanced trainers/light fighters, the contract provides for the local manufacture of spare parts, the installation of a local Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) center and the establishment of an international flight school in Poland.
This is the first time in history that a finished Korean aeronautical product has entered the European market, and the export contract to Poland is the largest so far, in terms of volume and price.
See also: Why did the FA-50 win in Poland? F-15EX and KF-21 on the horizon
Based on a strategic partnership with the Polish government and local companies, KAI plans to establish the MRO center for the FA-50 and grow it in stages, to ensure local production capacity.
In the medium to long term, the establishment and operation of an international flight training school using Polish Air Force (Siły Powietrzne) FA-50s will be promoted. If the demand for pilot training in Europe is met, the Polish economy is expected to benefit.
KAI President Ahn Hyun-ho said, «This is the beginning of joint cooperation, not just sales.» He also noted that, «FA-50 customers are potential customers of the future KF-21.»
«The FA-50 is the most suitable model for the Polish Air Force because it is interoperable with our equipment and can be equipped with the latest weapons,» said Mariusi Włashchak, Poland’s deputy prime minister and minister of defense, during the contract signing ceremony.
KAI has established key countries for each region of the world, such as Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, the United States, South America and Australia, and is conducting intensive marketing activities through stable operational support and continuous improvement of aircraft performance in exporting countries. That is why Poland will become a key player for KAI, which is looking to sell between 100 and 200 FA-50s in Europe in the coming years.
Seeking to dominate the global market
A TA (Teaming Agreement) was recently signed with Lockheed Martin to win an order for the U.S. Navy and Air Force tactical trainer project, which is expected to be for 500 units.
If the export to the U.S. is successful, the FA-50 will quickly emerge as a game changer in the light attack, tactical and advanced light attack aircraft market, and is expected to be able to dominate the future global light attack aircraft market.
KAI is hopeful of being able to export 1,000 FA-50s over the next decade.
FA-50PL
The first 12 FA-50s will be delivered during 2023, and will replace the Soviet-era Su-22M4 attack aircraft that are still operational, as well as provide training for future Polish F-16 and F-35 pilots, with which the Korean aircraft will complement
The FA-50PL will be the «polonized» version of the light fighter, which will incorporate an AESA radar (the model is yet to be defined) and will be integrated with the advanced AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, as well as with the Sniper laser designation pod and other modern armaments.
The FA-50PL will be the replacement for the Polish MiG-29, and thanks to its high availability rate and high logistical interoperability with the Lockheed Martin F-16, it will be a perfect complement to the Polish Air Force combat fleet.
