Poland signed contracts to purchase 4 squadrons of Korean FA-50 light combat aircraft

The Republic of Poland signed two contracts to purchase FA-50 aircraft.

This was reported by defense24.pl

The Polish Air Force will receive 48 light combat aircraft, namely 12 FA-50 Block 10 and 36 FA-50PL.

Contracts include logistics, training and technical support. The total value of the two agreements is $3 billion.

Supplies of FA-50 Block 10 aircraft will begin in the second half of 2023. The aircraft will be part of the 3rd Air Base in Mińsk Mazowiecki. This will make it possible to retire the MiG-29 of this unit.

FA-50PL aircraft will start arriving in Poland in 2025-2028. This version is similar to the Block 20, will have a wider range of weapons, an AFAR radar, upgraded avionics and the ability to refuel in the air.

All aircraft will have Link-16 and NATO’s friend-foe identification system.

FA-50 is a light combat version of the T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft.

The FA-50 powerplant is a General Electric F404-102 afterburner turbofan engine with a thrust of 78 kH, manufactured under license by the Republic of Korea. The flight range amounts to 1,800 km, the service ceiling is 14.6 km, and the payload is 4.5 tons.

Armament of the Block 10 version includes a 20 mm anti-aircraft gun and 7 external stores that can carry Hydra missiles, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AGM-65 Maverick, multi-various bombs.

The FA-50 Block 20 is capable of using the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile and the NSM anti-ship missile.