Currently, Poland has received eight FA-50s. Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak wrote, “With determination, we are modernising the Polish Air Force and increasing the security of Polish skies.”
The aircraft is based on a T-50 Golden Eagle advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft.
The first of 12 FA-50 aircraft reached Poland in July. The next order includes 36 additional FA-50PLs specially designed for Polish orders. The planes will perform patrolling missions in the country’s airspace, the Defence Ministry said. Deliveries of 36 FA-50PLs will begin in 2025 to 2027.
The FA-50 is a two-seat light fighter aircraft developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) with Lockheed Martin.
The aircraft has internal weapons such as a 20 mm cannon and various missiles such as the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missile and the AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile.
The aircraft can fly at a maximum speed of up to Mach 1.5 (1,837 km/h). The aircraft’s operational range reaches 1,800 km, and its maximum flight altitude is 14.6 km.
The Golden Eagle entered active service with the ROK Air Force (ROKAF) in 2005.
