Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced that the first and second FA-50GFs delivered to the Polish Air Force on Aug. 15 successfully made their maiden flights to celebrate Poland's National Armed Forces Day.
The FA-50GF took off from Minsk Air Base and flew over the Polish capital of Warsaw in a stable flight, demonstrating its excellent performance and attracting the attention of the public who attended the event.
The FA-50 appeared in formation with the Polish Air Force's Mig-29s and flew together, before the Migs left the formation and were naturally replaced by the FA-50s, emphasizing the significance of the event.
"Through military modernization with the latest weapon systems, the Polish Armed Forces will have an unrivaled defense capability," said Polish President Andrzej Sebastian Duda.
"We hope that the FA-50 will contribute to protecting the safety and lives of the Polish people," said Koo Young Kang, President of KAI.
"Korea, once a recipient of fighter jet aid, has rewritten the history of Korean aviation by flying in the skies of Europe with indigenous aircraft," he continued. "KAI will contribute to strengthening the Polish Air Force's air power based on KAI's follow-on support capabilities with more than 660 aircraft in operation worldwide."
KAI will use Poland as a marketing base and focus on expanding the FA-50's European market.
Meanwhile, following the successful local maiden flight, the FA-50GF will be presented to the Polish public at the Radom Airshow in Poland on August 26-27 with a ground display and demonstration flight.
