According to the Polish aerospace expert Arkadiusz MolisKorean Aerospace Industries (KAI) has presented photos of the Polish FA-50GF Fighting Eagle variant for the first time since the contract for the procurement of 48 light FA-50 fighter aircraft was signed. However, the FA-50GF in the pictures bears the tactical tail number 5002, which is why it can be assumed that this is already the second aircraft.

According to KAI, Polish pilots are already undergoing training and retraining for the type, so delivery this spring or early summer seems plausible. According to South Korean media, the first “real” Polish FA-50PL is due to arrive in Poland in May 2023. “Genuine” because there are two variants that will go to Siły Powietrzne Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej: Twelve FA-50GF (= Gap Filler) are modified TA-50 Block II aircraft originally destined for the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) and will be diverted, followed by 36 newly built FA-50PL.

@Arkadiusz Molis
The number on the tail unit suggests that the jet in the picture is already the second Polish aircraft.

The European country, which is currently the most heavily rearmed, would actually have preferred to increase its F-16 fleet quickly, but according to Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak, Poland could not wait that long for new aircraft. Lockheed Martin was not in a position to deliver F-16s quickly, as the factory in Greenville was already processing orders for Bahrain, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Morocco and Taiwan. The order therefore went to KAI and was only signed last July. https://militaeraktuell. at/koreanische-schwarze-panther-in-polen-gesichtet/ “Logical” transition to the F-16
The FA-50 light multi-role fighter is based on the T-50 Golden Eagle developed as a trainer, which in turn was inspired by Lockheed Martin. This background is what makes the FA-50 so interesting for Poland’s air force; the synergies with the F-16C/D Block 50/52, which is also operated in Poland, are “generic”, so to speak. South Korea is reportedly using the T-50 trainer – alongside the “Black Eagles” aerobatic team – to train future F-16 pilots with an availability of 85 percent. According to Polish information, only a few hours are required to subsequently fly the F-16 independently.

@KAI
Poland also seems to be interested in the Korean KF-21.

KF-21s in addition to F-35s?
This is still a long way off, but according to Korean colleagues, Warsaw is considering – in addition to the already decided to purchase F-35 fighter jets – the purchase of further fighter jets. There is even talk of Korean KF-21 stealth fighter aircraft program up to a local license assembly, together with the production of together with the manufacture of structural elements and the possible servicing of these aircraft for other export customers in Europe.

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