KAI to double production of FA-50 Fighting Eagle supersonic fighters amid interest from the US Navy and Air Force, which could order up to 500 aircraft

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is considering doubling production of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle supersonic aircraft. This is due to growing interest from foreign customers, which even include the United States.

Here's What We Know

The FA-50 is the combat version of the T-50 Golden Eagle training aircraft developed by KAI and Lockheed Martin. A number of countries have expressed interest in the fighter due to its fast delivery rate and relatively low cost.

Potential buyers include the US Navy and US Air Force. The US Department of Defense may order 500 aircraft. The South Korean company believes in a positive outcome and hopes to get the contract within two to three years.

Right now the most powerful version of the F-50 is the Polish version of the aircraft, the FA-50PL. Last year the Polish Ministry of Defence signed a contract with KAI for 48 fighters. The PL version is equipped with a 30 gallon (1,136 litre) fuel tank, active phased array radar and can carry AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

Source: Segye