KAI Unveils First ‘Gap-Filler’ Light Fighter for Poland | Aviation International News

KAI Unveils First ‘Gap-Filler’ Light Fighter for Poland

A dozen FA-50GFs are being delivered ahead of the full-spec FA-50PL to provide a replacement for Poland’s MiG-29s.

Korean FA-50GF fighter jet for Poland — Poland's initial batch of "gap-filler" FA-50GFs are being drawn from ROKAF production. (Photo: KAI)

By David Donald • Contributor - UK

March 11, 2023

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has unveiled the first FA-50 light fighter/attack aircraft for Poland. The East European nation signed for 48 FA-50s in July 2022, making the first down-payment in November. Under a $705 million contract KAI is delivering a batch of 12 aircraft that it had been manufacturing for the Republic of Korea Air Force in order to kick-start the Polish air force’s replacement program for its aging and difficult-to-support MiG-29s and Sukhoi Su-22Ms.

These aircraft are designated FA-50GF—for “gap-filler”—and are essentially Block 10 aircraft with AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pod capability. They have NATO-compatible IFF and are fitted with Link 16 datalink. Armament options include AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles (AAMs) and AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles (ASMs). The first two aircraft are scheduled for handover in August, with the remaining 10 to be delivered to Poland by 2025.

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