Poland's 'K-Defense 10 Trillion Won' Contract... FA-50's First Entry into Europe

Poland signed a contract worth over 10 trillion won for domestic weapon systems including the FA-50 light attack aircraft, K2 tanks, and K9 self-propelled howitzers on the 27th (local time), and took a commemorative photo at the Polish Ministry of National Defense. From the left in the photo are Ahn Hyun-ho, CEO of Korea Aerospace Industries; Lee Yong-bae, CEO of Hyundai Rotem; Mariusz Błaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense; Son Jae-il, CEO of Hanwha Defense; and Sebastian Chwałek, Chairman of the state-owned defense company PGZ. (Photo by Warsaw (Poland) Ministry of National Defense Joint Press Corps)

[Warsaw (Poland) Ministry of Defense Joint Press Corps · Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] The export of domestically produced weapons systems, including the FA-50 domestically produced light attack aircraft, to Poland has been confirmed. This is the first time that a Korean-made military aircraft has entered Europe, and including the K2 tank and K9 self-propelled howitzer, the export value is expected to exceed 10 trillion won.

On the 27th (local time), the Polish government announced, "A basic contract (Framework Agreement) has been signed for 48 upgraded FA-50 light attack aircraft, 980 K2 tanks, and 648 K9 self-propelled howitzers."

Mariusz Błaszczak, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, said at the signing ceremony, "Due to Poland's support for Ukraine, we had to fill the gaps in ground and air power, and considering technology, price, and delivery time, Korea's weapons systems were the most suitable," adding, "In the case of the K-9 self-propelled howitzer, its technology has been recognized, leading to a decision for rapid procurement."

The signing ceremony was held at the Polish Ministry of Defense with the attendance of domestic defense industry representatives including Ahn Hyun-ho, CEO of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Lee Yong-bae, CEO of Hyundai Rotem, and Son Jae-il, CEO of Hanwha Defense, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Mariusz Błaszczak, Chief of General Staff Jarosław Mika, and Director of the Military Armament Agency Artur Kuptel. It was noted that the Russian Embassy is located opposite the Polish Ministry of Defense, which was interpreted as a warning message to Russia.

Lee Yong-bae, CEO of Hyundai Rotem, said in his speech as a representative of Korean companies, "This contract is very meaningful for Hyundai Rotem as well. We expect the bond between the two countries to deepen by using the same weapons systems, and we will strengthen cooperation across the economy through technology transfer and local production in the future."

KAI, which exported the largest-ever number of FA-50s, plans to deliver 12 FA-50s starting in the first half of next year and then establish an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center locally. Most European countries currently operate former Soviet MiG-29 fighters or Italian M-346 attack aircraft. However, due to difficulties in parts supply, their operational rates have dropped below 50%. Considering that the European light fighter market amounts to about 200 units, Poland's MRO center is expected to serve as a hub for neighboring European countries.

KAI also plans to establish an international flight school in Poland for pilot training. Since Eastern European countries lack pilot training institutions, most pilots have been sent to the United States. Poland expects that once the international flight school is established, pilots will be compatible with U.S. F-16 pilots.

Minister of Defense Błaszczak said, "The FA-50 is a light, multipurpose weapon based on the F-16, and we are well prepared to adapt to it," adding, "Pilots who have operated the F-16 can train on the FA-50 in just a few hours, and the FA-50 has a technical efficiency of 85%."

In Europe, demand for light attack aircraft has surged recently due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. KAI plans to aggressively target the European market starting with the Polish export. Building on this, it aims to challenge the U.S. market in 2024-2025. The main targets are the U.S. Air Force's tactical trainer project for about 280 units and the U.S. Navy's advanced trainer and tactical trainer project for 220 units. Exports to Malaysia, Colombia, and others are also reportedly either finalized or in the final stages.

Ahn Hyun-ho, CEO of KAI, said, "Europe is as important a market as the U.S., and based on European orders, we will accelerate our goal of exporting 1,000 domestically produced aircraft."

Additionally, Poland is scheduled to receive 180 K2 tanks starting this year. Subsequently, through technology transfer, more than 800 K2 tanks (K2PL, the Polish export model of the K2) will be produced locally in Poland. Poland also plans to purchase 48 K9 self-propelled howitzers initially and then order more than 600 units thereafter.