First FA-50PL To Come Off Production Line This Year
Korea Aerospace Industries may hold a surprise for one of its customers. Despite initial setbacks the light multirole jet may soon be delivered to its end-user in a modernized and more capable variant.
The FA-50 (Block-20) brings it closer to the newest generation of fighter jets than ever before. Although said jets are being utilized mainly as trainer jets, they can conduct combat operations such as close air support missions and air combat. Integration of new armament, radar, and weaponry will provide the Golden Eagle with numerous advantages over potential adversaries.
As Portal Obronny reports, two aircraft are currently being produced. They will be equipped with US-made Raytheon Aerial Electronic Scanned Array (AESA) Phantom Strike. In addition, the jets will incorporate Link-16 data link and the pilots will be equipped with Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display. Polish FA-50 Block 20 is expected to carry the latest generation of air-to-air Sidwinders missile: the AIM-9X as well as long-range air-to-air AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
However, some time will pass before the Polish Air Force receives its first FA–50PL. The project involves three international parties: the Polish government, Korea Aeronautic Industries, and Lockheed Martin. The latest participant holds the majority of IP rights and licenses that have to be transferred and approved until modernized FA-50s can be integrated with new hardware and weaponry.
At the moment the 23rd Tactical Air Base in Minsk Mazowiecki undergoes a slow but steady transition from MiG-29s to FA-50 “Gap Filler” fighters. It is worth noting that the FA-50s were purchased to replace MiGs donated by the Polish government to Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia. The issue with the current serving generation of FA-50s is their lack of integration of the newest weaponry. Up to this point, Poland has not obtained suitable AIM-9 missiles to arm its aircraft, despite purchasing a batch of AIM-9X for its F-16 C/D Block 52+ Advanced multirole fighter jets.
The introduction of the modified FA-50PL will significantly boost Polish Air Force capabilities removing the contemporary issues with “Gap Fillers” currently delivered to Poland. In total 48 FA-50s will be utilized by the PAF with 12 ‘FA-50GF’ to be modernized following deliveries of new light fighter jets from Korea.