Polish sources have reported that continuing integration issues on the Republic of Korea’s FA-50PL Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) might lead to a cancellation.
Polish defence/OSINT analyst Jarosław Wolski has given an update on the FA-50PL acquisition of the Polish Air Force, saying that the ongoing issues with the integration of requested weapons and other equipment are bringing the deal closer to termination. Poland’s order for FA-50 includes 12 Block 10-standard FA-50GF and 36 FA-50PL specifically customised for Polish requirements. Cancelling the order on 36 other aircraft would represent a loss of more than $1.566 million with the unit cost considered.
The Air Force will likely launch a new tender if Poland cancels the orders. Considering Poland’s international relations and FA-50’s counterparts, TUSAŞ Hürjet, Boeing-Saab T-7A, and Leonardo M-346 might be brought to the table in case of a fresh start. KAI FA-50 is the derivative of the T-50 advanced trainer.
The aircraft can use various air-to-air/air-to-surface missiles and general-purpose bombs. KAI plans to introduce the PhantomStrike AESA radar and beyond-visual-range air-to-air combat capability with the Block 20 version.
Another plan related to the FA-50 is the recently restarted development of the single-seater F-50 with more fuel load, strictly developed as a light fighter.
