Groundbreaking delivery of FA-50PL fighters. When will they reach Poland?

The delivery of South Korean fighters to the Polish market is facing numerous delays, which even became the basis for subsequent political disputes in the Sejm.

Let us recall that the Korean FA-50 fighters, which Poland ordered from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), are of key importance for the modernization of Polish tactical aviation. Poland ordered a total of 48 fighters, of which twelve, in the FA-50 GF (Gap Filler) version, which is poorer than the target one, were delivered last year.

FA-50PL for Poland. Are there delays, when will the planes arrive?

Now the Polish army is waiting for 36 aircraft in the advanced FA-50PL Block 20 version, adapted to NATO standards. It is the adaptation to American standards that has caused the delivery of subsequent aircraft to be delayed, Polsat News reported.

The process encountered obstacles related to the need to obtain consent from the United States for the integration of American systems, specifically the use of American Phantom Strike radars and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. According to Chong Ho Yoon, director of KAI’s aviation programs, “the integration process, although complicated, could be finalized by the end of the first quarter of 2025.”

Waiting for US consent, especially for the integration of AIM-120 missiles, is causing controversy in the Polish Sejm, where the topic has become the subject of heated discussions.

Deputy Minister of National Defense Paweł Bejda actively participated in talks with Korean partners, trying to speed up deliveries and finalize the contract. Bejda visited South Korea in September and October, negotiating issues related to weapons integration and fighter modernization.

Ultimately, the contract, worth approximately $3.3 billion, is expected to close by the end of next year.

Advanced technological solutions FA-50PL

The FA-50PL Block 20 version that Poland ordered includes numerous improvements that set it apart from older FA-50 models. Key modifications include the RTX Phantom Strike radar, which provides greater detection range and precision compared to the radars used in Polish F-16s.

The Scorpion system, which displays data on the pilot’s helmet, and the Sniper targeting pod allow for precise attacks on air and ground targets. The FA-50PL also has the ability to refuel in the air, which significantly increases its operational range. Additionally, it will be capable of carrying AIM-120 AMRAAM and smaller AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.

The FA-50PL is also a more economical solution compared to more advanced machines such as the F-16 or F-35, whose operating costs are much higher. The cost per hour of flight on the FA-50 is approximately 40% of the operating cost of the older F-16, 25% of the cost of the latest version F-16V and only 12% of the flight cost of the F-35, making it a beneficial solution for training and lower combat intensity missions .

By using the FA-50 to train Polish pilots, the Polish Air Force can reduce the costs associated with operating more expensive combat aircraft, which allows for more effective management of the defense budget.

Industrial cooperation and economic importance

One of the key aspects of the FA-50 agreement is the development of industrial cooperation between South Korea and Poland. Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 signed an agreement with KAI regarding the maintenance and technical support of the FA-50 in Poland.

KAI plans to establish a service center in Poland that will provide logistical support, repairs and modernization of these fighters, which may create new jobs and raise the technological level of the Polish arms industry.