"Korean expansion": Korea Aerospace Industries offers Bulgaria its FA-50 fighter jets to replace Soviet fleet

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is offering its FA-50 light combat aircraft to Bulgaria as an optimal solution for replacing its outdated aircraft.

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KAI is looking to expand its presence in Eastern and Central Europe, targeting countries that need to modernise their military capabilities but do not have the funds for US or European fighter aircraft.

Bulgaria currently has outdated Soviet aircraft such as the L-39, MiG-29 and Su-25. KAI positions the FA-50 as an ideal replacement, offering a modern, versatile platform that can perform both training and combat roles. The FA-50's ability to perform a wide range of missions, from air defence to ground attack, makes it a valuable asset for any air force looking to upgrade.

In addition to being cost-effective, the FA-50 is also a very capable aircraft, capable of almost everything that the more advanced but much more expensive fourth-generation fighters can do.

A key advantage of the FA-50 is its compatibility with NATO standards: real-time data exchange via the Link-16 system and integration with Western-made weapons. This compatibility is crucial for Bulgaria, which is a NATO member. The FA-50's high compatibility with the F-16, the aircraft the Bulgarian Air Force plans to operate, further enhances its appeal as a perfect addition to Bulgaria's defence arsenal.

KAI is seeking to sell the FA-50 to Bulgaria following a successful contract with Poland in September 2022, where it secured a deal to deliver 48 FA-50s. Now focusing on Bulgaria and other countries in the region, KAI is promoting the FA-50 as a reliable, cost-effective option for air force modernisation in Eastern and Central Europe.

Source: Defence Industry Europe