The Polish Ministry of Defence (MoD) inked a deal in 2022 to buy twelve F/A-50 Block 1 fighters for €700 million. These planes would replace the MiG-29 "Fulcrum" and Su-22 "Fitter" that the Polish Air Force currently flies.
Initially intended for the Republic of Korean Air Force [RoKAF], these aircraft have already been delivered. The remaining thirty-six aircraft, upgraded to the F/A-50PL standard to meet its requirements, were the subject of a separate order worth €2.3 billion.
With the option of acquiring more F-35A fighters off the table, Poland is increasingly looking beyond the traditional US and European offerings to fill its future fighter gap. While the Eurofighter Typhoon and Boeing’s F-15EX have both been heavily promoted in Warsaw, a recent high-level visit to South Korea suggests that the KF-21 Boramae may emerge as a new contender.
Polish Air Force commander General Ireneusz Nowak, ROKAF commander General Lee Young-soo, flew a two-seat KF-21 together. The South Korean media concentrated on what the event meant in a symbolic way, talking about KAI's objective of boosting the KF-21's export potential and developing defence ties with Europe. The visit doesn't indicate that Poland has definitely decided to acquire the 4.5-generation multirole fighter yet, but it does demonstrate that they are intrigued.
The KF-21 can go as fast as Mach 1.83, fight for more than 2,800 km, employ AESA radar, IRST, and electronic warfare, and fire Meteor missiles.
It is powered by two F414-GE-400K engines made in South Korea under license. It can't be as stealthy because it doesn't have an internal weapons bay, but KAI has already started putting together the first 20 planes.
If Türkiye finds the right industrial and political environment, its homegrown KAAN fighter may ultimately provide a regional alternative to both the KF-21 and Western platforms.
Author: Özgür Ekşi
