The first South Korean FA-50 Fighting Eagle light fighters have arrived in Poland under a $700m contract
Poland has received four South Korean-made FA-50 Fighting Eagle light fighters. This was announced by Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak.
Here's What We Know
Poland has ordered two batches of fighter jets worth a total of $3bn. The first contract worth $700m involves the purchase of 12 Block 10 level aircraft. Four of the fighters have already arrived in Poland, and deliveries of the rest will be completed by the end of 2023.
Minister @mblaszczak zaprezentował samoloty FA-50, które będą pełnić dyżury bojowe w naszym kraju i wspierać sojuszników #AirShow2023 @MON_GOV_PL @SztabGenWP @DGeneralneRSZ @DowOperSZ https://t.co/HDpstIWGQ0 pic.twitter.com/oAVNBcN7oX
- polska_zbrojna (@Polska_Zbrojna) August 21, 2023
Valued at $2.3bn, the second deal covers 36 Block 20 level fighters and munitions. Specifically, JSM (Joint Strike Missile) anti-ship missiles and AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.
Dostawy nowego sprzętu dla Wojska Polskiego nie zwalniają. W Warszawie właśnie wylądowały kolejne dwa samoloty FA-50 dla Sił Powietrznych. Do końca roku spodziewamy się następnych 8 maszyn. pic.twitter.com/0mSbqhhiAx
- Mariusz Błaszczak (@mblaszczak) August 22, 2023
The Block 10 level aircraft from the first batch are designated FA-50GF (Gap Filler). They are modernised T-50 Golden Eagle Block II trainer T-50s, which were originally built for the Republic of Korea Air Force. The 36 Block 20 fighters will be designated FA-50PL and will be built specifically for the Polish Air Force.
Source: Polska Zbrojna
