TA-50 Block-2 Unit 1 Delivered to the Air Force

Air Force Reestablishes 206th Combat Flight Squadron to Deploy TA-50

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has delivered the first domestically produced trainer aircraft, the 'TA-50 Block 2,' to the Air Force. While naval vessels use the term Batch for upgraded models, ground weapons, fighter jets, and guided missiles are referred to as Block.

According to KAI on the 28th, the TA-50 trainer is used for pilots to learn tactical missions such as weapons handling and radar operation before being assigned to a fighter squadron. The TA-50 Block 2, shaped like the light attack aircraft FA-50, has enhanced capabilities compared to the existing Block 1, including the ability to operate Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) and improved night flight capabilities. Additionally, the aircraft's self-protection capabilities have been improved through the Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and Countermeasure Dispensing System (CMDS).

The Air Force's 1st Fighter Wing reestablished the 206th Fighter Squadron in October this year, which had been disbanded due to the retirement of aging aircraft. The 206th Squadron originally operated the F-5E/F Tiger II, which the Air Force began introducing in 1974, but officially ceased operations at the end of 2021 due to aircraft retirement. Subsequently, with the deployment of the TA-50 Block 2, selected as the second phase tactical introductory trainer, to the 1st Fighter Wing, the 206th Squadron was reborn after 1 year and 10 months.