Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is set to showcase its aircraft and engage in marketing activities in the European market during the "Paris Air Show 2023," held at Le Bourget Airport in Paris from June 19th to 25th (local time).
As one of the world's top three air shows, the Paris Air Show celebrates its 54th edition this year. While the event used to take place biennially, it had been canceled for the past 21 years due to the pandemic, resulting in a four-year gap between shows.
KAI aims to make inroads into the European market by highlighting the FA-50, a lightweight fighter that has gained global attention as a key component of Korea's defense capabilities. The FA-50 has recently been exported to Poland and Malaysia, further raising its profile. KAI will also present the KF-21 Korean fighter, which has proven its performance through interim combat suitability evaluations.
Additionally, KAI seeks to actively promote the LAH, a helicopter nearing mass production, and the Surion, an improved model available in various derivatives. This concerted marketing effort sparks anticipation for the first overseas expansion of domestic helicopters. Notably, following Poland's procurement of 48 FA-50s last year, major European countries with a need for advanced trainers and lightweight fighters are closely observing the FA-50.
During the FA-50GF unveiling ceremony held at KAI headquarters on the 2nd of this month, Mariusz Błaszczak, Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, commended the excellent performance of the FA-50 and expressed his expectations for strengthening the Polish Air Force.
At the Paris Air Show, KAI plans to engage with delegations from significant European countries such as Spain, Bulgaria, Ireland, and Finland, in order to identify potential customers. Moreover, the company will conduct interviews with key figures from countries operating domestic aircraft, particularly in the Middle East, South America, and neighboring regions. This effort aims to create follow-up business opportunities for flagship aircraft like the KF-21 and Surion.
"The recent exports of the FA-50 have garnered global attention for our domestic aircraft," said KAI President Kang Gu-young. "This serves as a stepping stone for flagship models such as the Surion to penetrate the global market."
During the exhibition, KAI plans to strengthen its strategic partnerships with major global aerospace companies, thereby enhancing the export competitiveness of domestic aircraft and expanding orders for airframe structures. Building upon discussions held at the supplier symposium in Busan last April, KAI will explore measures for mutual cooperation, including cost reduction, with prominent overseas partners such as GE Avio, Collins, and Raytheon.
Building on these initiatives, KAI aims to secure additional FA-50 exports to Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, while also pursuing opportunities to enter the US market, where potential demand is estimated at up to 500 units. Should the FA-50 successfully penetrate the US market, it is projected to capture more than 50% of the global advanced trainer and lightweight fighter market.
