First Polish Air Force FA-50GF
On 9 March 2023, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) presented the first photos of a Siły Powietrzne RP (Polish Air Force) KAI FA-50 with serial 5002. The type is presented as a FA-50GF, which is reported as Gap Filler.
The first twelve aircraft, all model FA-50GF Block 10, are expected to be delivered by mid-2023. The order from Poland for the KAI FA-50 light attack aircraft was signed on 28 July 2022 for a total of 48 aircraft, 12 FA-50 Block 10 and 36 FA-50PL Block 20. The contract also includes training, logistics packages and a technical support service and has a total value of USD 3 billion (PLN 13 billion).
The first twelve aircraft, all Block 10, will be based at Minsk-Mazowiecki air base. Deliveries of the remaining FA-50PL light attack aircraft will start in 2025 until 2028. It has not been reported yet where these will be based. A service centre for the type will be set up in Poland and it is expected that the Block 10 aircraft will be upgraded to the same standard in due time.
In February 2023 the first four pilots started their training with the 1st Fighter Wing of the Dae Han Min Guk Gong-gun (RoKAF, Republic of Korea Air Force) at Gwangju air base.
Photo via Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)