The plan to equip Poland with 48 South Korean FA-50 fighter jets could total about 3 billion dollars, according to the agency source. This figure reflects the collaboration tied to Korean Aerospace Industries.
On a recent update, the Polish government revealed intentions to acquire 48 FA-50 fighters along with 980 K-2 tanks and 648 K-9 self-propelled artillery systems from South Korean manufacturers. Yonhap News Agency reported that the initial tranche of 12 aircraft is expected to arrive in Poland by mid 2023, marking a significant step in bilateral defense cooperation.
Ahn Hyun Ho, chief executive of Korea Aerospace Industries, described the deal as a beginning for deeper collaboration with Poland and the broader promotion of the company’s products on the world stage. He suggested that the arrangement could attract attention to another South Korean design, the KF-21 fighter, as potential buyers take note of the capabilities demonstrated in this agreement.
remarks from a former Polish defense ministry official indicate a broader picture of Poland’s arms supply strategy, noting that total arms deliveries to Ukraine under similar programs have reached about 1.7 billion dollars.
Additionally, Poland has received the initial batch of Abrams tanks, intended to replace the aging T-72 models that were transferred to Ukraine, signaling a broader modernization effort within the region.