Korea Aerospace Industries plans to double the production capacity of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle aircraft
30 April, 2023 FA-50 of the Polish Air Force. Photo credits: Korea Defense Blog The South Korean company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) plans to double its production capacity for the FA-50 Fighting Eagle aircraft by the end of 2024.
This is necessary to meet the high demand for light fighters. The Korea Defense Blog reported this with reference to the Segye. It is emphasized that multiple new customers are currently considering the FA-50 due to its competitive price and fast delivery times.
FA-50 production line. Photo credits: Korea Defense Blog
The KAI production facility is currently assembling FA-50 aircraft destined for Poland and Thailand, along with the 6th and final KF-21 Boramae prototype, which will be fully assembled within a month. The Korea Aerospace Industries is confident in the future of the FA-50 platform.
Just recently, KAI released a roadmap presenting its plan to continue developing the FA-50 platform into the future. In addition to European, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets, KAI is spotting the United States as its next customer.
FA-50 aircraft by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)
Based on recent successes in Poland and Malaysia, KAI officials are optimistic that they will be able to secure a large contract from the United States Air Force and the United States Navy for up to 500x FA-50 aircraft. Although the USAF previously selected the Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk for its T-X program, the project has been met with continued delays and cost overruns. The US Navy recently released a Request for Information (RFI) for its Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program to replace the aging T-45 Goshawk advanced trainers.
KAI officials believe they'll have good news by the end of 2025.
Additionally, USAF has a request for 128x aircraft for its Advanced Tactical Trainer (ATT) program, and US Navy has a separate request for 60-70x aircraft for its Tactical Surrogate Aircraft (TSA) program.