Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced today that it has signed an executive contract to export 48 units of its FA-50 light combat aircrafts to Poland.
With this contract worth $3 billion in total, KAI has set a record for the largest contract ever and its first entry into the European market since it started exporting the T-50 in 2011.
On September 16, the contract ceremony was held at Minsk Air Base, Poland. According to the contract, KAI will first supply 12 FA-50 units by the end of 2023, and the remaining 36 units will be delivered sequentially from the second half of 2025.
Reflecting the needs of the Polish Air Force, the shape of the FA-50PL to be supplied by KAI is expected to be the improved shape of the FA-50 with the best specifications currently available.
The FA-50PL is not only capable of various mission operations such as light combat, special tactics and combat missions, but also has high compatibility with the F-16 and is optimized for education and training of fifth-generation fighters such as the F-35. It is expected to be active as a core model that contributes to reinforcement.
With this contract as an opportunity, KAI plans to build a Logistics Hub in Poland and to operate an international flight training school in stages to meet the training requirements of 4th and 5th generation fighter pilots in Europe.
When the logistics hub is established, it is expected to contribute to improving the operational efficiency and utilization rate of the FA-50PL, as well as contributing to the revitalization of the Polish economy, such as the growth of the local aviation industry and job creation.
In addition, KAI plans to create a bilateral consultative body for the establishment of an international flight training school in Poland to contribute to nurturing not only Polish Air Force pilots but also all European pilots.
Through this, KAI plans to expand its sales channels throughout Europe by using Poland as a base for FA-50 export through mutual cooperation.
“I look forward to a long-lasting and sustainable strategic partnership with Poland," said KAI President Kang Goo-young. "We will challenge the US market, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, using our Polish exports as a stepping stone.”
