Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced on June 26 that a delegation led by the Commander of the Polish Air Force visited its headquarters to inspect the FA-50PL production site and personally test-fly the Republic of Korea Air Force’s next-generation fighter jet, the KF-21.
This visit took place as part of the strategic cooperation schedule between the two air forces. The Polish Air Force delegation toured the FA-50PL production line, which is equipped with an AESA radar, cutting-edge air-to-air missiles, and a targeting pod.
Additionally, the Polish Air Force Commander personally test-flew the KF-21, which is scheduled for deployment to the ROK Air Force in the second half of next year. The KF-21 is a state-of-the-art 4.5-generation fighter jet featuring a stealth-shaped design and is expected to evolve into a sixth-generation manned-unmanned integrated fighter.
The KF-21 is expected to operate alongside the F-35 as a main combat aircraft for the ROK Air Force. It features domestically developed avionics such as radar and TGP, is equipped with European air-to-air armaments, and offers excellent high-altitude performance, enabling complementary missions with the F-35.
Through customer test flights and production line inspections, KAI is working to shift perceptions of the KF-21 from a developing fighter to a platform ready for operational deployment.
KAI is actively participating in Poland’s next-generation fighter acquisition project and strengthening its marketing efforts to expand into the European market.
The Polish Air Force is currently considering the acquisition of 32 additional fighter jets to replace its aging fleet and strengthen wartime operational capabilities. Based on its cooperation through the FA-50, KAI is promoting the KF-21 for export.
With the support of the South Korean government, the Air Force, and other stakeholders under the Team KF-21 framework, KAI is intensifying its efforts to pioneer KF-21 exports not only in Europe but also in the Middle East and Asia.
Meanwhile, in 2022, KAI exported 48 FA-50 aircraft to Poland, laying the groundwork for its entry into the European market. Just one year and three months after signing the contract, KAI completed delivery of the first batch of 12 FA-50GF units, setting a record for fastest delivery time. The remaining 36 FA-50PL units are currently being developed in line with customer requirements.
*GF (Gap Filler): A variant introduced to fill the capability gap after the retirement of Poland’s Soviet-made MiG-29 fighters
**PL (Poland): A performance-enhanced version reflecting the Polish Air Force’s specific requirements
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