The KAI (Korea Aerospace Industries) announced that the company had the Roll-out ceremony of FA-50 #1 (exported to Poland) at its headquarters in Sacheon, Gyeongsangnam-do on June 7, 2023.
This is the shortest achievement to release a combat aircraft in 8 months since the contract signing in September 2022 thanks to the excellence in manufacturing of KAI and the sweeping desicion with great support by the Ministry of National Defense, The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) of the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea Air Force.
About 100 distinguished participants included CEO KANG Goo-young of KAI; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Mariusz Błaszcza, National Defense of Poland; Minister LEE Jong-sup of National Defense of the Republic of Korea; General JUNG Sang-hwa, Chief of Staff of the ROK Air Force; Directorate Brig. General Ireneusz Nowak, Chief of the Air Force of Poland; Minister EOM Dong-hwan of DAPA, the Republic of Korea; and Ambassador Piotr Ostaszewski of Poland to the Republic of Korea.
The Roll-out ceremony is meaningful as this is the first chance to disclose the actual aircraft that remained on the drawing to the general public. The theme of this ceremony is ‘Firm Commitment, Secure Future’, which holds a symbolic meaning to illustrate the commitment to protect the sovereign airspace of Poland and the Republic of Korea, and the amicable relationship between the two nations.
FA-50 #1 used the name FA-50GF (Gap Filler) as it will function to fill Poland’s strategic gaps by swiftly replacing the aging airfighters in Poland and having new ones on track for military missions in a timely manner.
After the flight test by the end of July, FA-50GF will be provided starting in August. The first 12 FA-50GFs are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2023.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Mariusz Błaszcza, National Defense of Poland said, “Thanks to the speedy release of FA-50GF, Poland is now able to equip itself with more advanced military strategies and realize the military modernization. I look forward to seeing FA-50GF fly in the airspace of Poland.”
