Korean Fighter Jet KF-21, Launching into the European Market

KAI Seeks Exports with FA-50 at Paris Air Show 2023

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced on the 20th that it will participate in the "Paris Air Show 2023," held from the 19th to the 25th (local time) at Paris Le Bourget Airport, to explore exports of its flagship products, including the supersonic multi-role light combat aircraft "FA-50," to the European market.

At this air show, KAI will showcase the FA-50, which has secured an export contract for 48 units with Poland, and the Korean fighter KF-21, which has received provisional combat suitability certification, proving its performance. KAI will also promote exports of the small armed helicopter LAH, which is about to enter initial mass production, and the Surion helicopter, upgraded into various derivative models.

KAI plans to meet delegations from major European countries such as Spain, Bulgaria, Ireland, and Finland at the Paris Air Show to identify potential customers. It will also hold meetings with key figures from countries operating domestic aircraft in the Middle East and South America, as well as neighboring countries, to create follow-up business opportunities for the KF-21 and Surion.

KAI will discuss mutual cooperation measures, including cost reduction to enhance the competitiveness of domestic aircraft, with major overseas partners such as Avio Aero, Collins, and Raytheon. Based on this, KAI plans to pursue additional exports of the FA-50 to Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, and challenge the U.S. market, estimated to be up to 500 units in scale.

In line with the recent increase in demand for commercial aircraft, KAI will also hold meetings with delegations from major customers such as Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer to promote new business in commercial aircraft airframe structures and secure follow-up orders.