Defence & Space

Iron Beam with new laser director

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Israeli Ministry of Defense unveil new Iron Beam laser director. Company to Showcase Full High-Energy…

2025-06-05 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

Rheinmetall receives major international orders for 155mm artillery ammunition

Rheinmetall Denel Munition has received two new orders for 155 mm ERFB artillery ammunition. International customer orders projectiles, propellants and…

2025-06-03 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Karkonosze Program: A Game-Changer for the Polish Air Force’s Tankers?

The Polish Air Force has been requesting the acquisition of aerial refueling tankers for years. The program to procure a multi-role transport…

2025-05-23 | Sławek Zagórski | 5 minutes

Swedish A26 Submarine and Poland’s Orka Program

In early April, Saab organized a visit for representatives of the Polish defense media to the Saab Kockums shipyard, located in Karlskrona…

2025-05-08 | Przemysław Gurgurewicz | 16 minutes

Iron Beam with new laser director

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Israeli Ministry of Defense unveil new Iron Beam laser director. Company to Showcase Full High-Energy…

2025-06-05 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

Rheinmetall receives major international orders for 155mm artillery ammunition

Rheinmetall Denel Munition has received two new orders for 155 mm ERFB artillery ammunition. International customer orders projectiles, propellants and…

2025-06-03 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Advancing multi-domain EW operations: Rohde & Schwarz unveils latest innovations at AOC Europe

Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates the next generation of SIGINT/EW systems, sensor fusion and signal analysis solutions, designed to meet the evolving…

2025-05-12 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Iberian Blackout: Is Poland Prepared for a Similar Scenario?

The blackout on the Iberian Peninsula has prompted a few cautious questions about whether Poland is secure in the event of…

2025-05-02 | Krzysztof Zagórski | 6 minutes

IDET & PYROS 2025: KALAN Tracked Amphibious Vehicle as the Successor to the PTS

During the International Fire Fighting Equipment and Services Fair PYROS (held alongside IDET 2025 in Brno), the Czech company New…

2025-05-30 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

IDET 2025: Patria AMV XP 8×8 with TURRA 30 Turret

At the International Defence and Security Technologies Fair IDET 2025 in the Czech Republic, Finnish company Patria Oyj showcased its…

2025-05-29 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

Iron Beam with new laser director

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Israeli Ministry of Defense unveil new Iron Beam laser director. Company to Showcase Full High-Energy…

2025-06-05 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

Rheinmetall receives major international orders for 155mm artillery ammunition

Rheinmetall Denel Munition has received two new orders for 155 mm ERFB artillery ammunition. International customer orders projectiles, propellants and…

2025-06-03 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

IDET & PYROS 2025: KALAN Tracked Amphibious Vehicle as the Successor to the PTS

During the International Fire Fighting Equipment and Services Fair PYROS (held alongside IDET 2025 in Brno), the Czech company New…

2025-05-30 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Leonardo and Weststar Join Forces to Supply Helicopters to Malaysia

During the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Italian company Leonardo and Malaysian firm Weststar…

2025-05-20 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Iron Beam with new laser director

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Israeli Ministry of Defense unveil new Iron Beam laser director. Company to Showcase Full High-Energy…

2025-06-05 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

Rheinmetall receives major international orders for 155mm artillery ammunition

Rheinmetall Denel Munition has received two new orders for 155 mm ERFB artillery ammunition. International customer orders projectiles, propellants and…

2025-06-03 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Polish Minister of Defence Travels to the U.S. for Meeting with Pete Hegseth

A press conference was held at the 1st Airlift Base with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz…

2025-05-26 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

Another Meeting at the Polish Ministry of National Defence with a Delegation from South Korea’s DAPA

Polish Deputy Minister of National Defence Paweł Bejda met with Deputy Minister of South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA),…

2025-05-14 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

Airbus, CNES and VAST reaffirm commitment to strengthening EO capabilities in Vietnam

Airbus Defence and Space, the French Space Agency, and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology have signed a Declaration of…

2025-05-26 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

ICEYE and IHI start cooperation to develop SAR satellite constellation in Japan

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE and the Japanese IHI Corporation are beginning cooperation in the construction of a constellation of up to 24…

2025-05-22 | Redakcja | 3 minutes
Shooting

MSBS GROT BULLPUP conversion now available

Fabryka Broni “Łucznik” Radom is introducing long-awaited conversion kits for the MSBS GROT S16 FB-M1 and S10 FB-M1 semi-automatic rifles,…

2025-06-02 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

IDET 2025: Grand Power Showcases M4M1 Carbines for the Slovak Armed Forces

At the International Defence and Security Technologies Fair IDET 2023 in the Czech Republic, Grand Power — a Slovak firearms manufacturer — showcased…

2025-05-28 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

MSBS GROT BULLPUP conversion now available

Fabryka Broni “Łucznik” Radom is introducing long-awaited conversion kits for the MSBS GROT S16 FB-M1 and S10 FB-M1 semi-automatic rifles,…

2025-06-02 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Streamlight introduces the TLR-8 HL-X and TLR-8 HL-X sub

Streamlight introduces the TLR-8 HL-X flashlight with an integrated laser sight, producing a beam with up to 1,000 lumens of power, offering…

2025-03-18 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Protective Rescuer Vest – BC Arms Archangel

The Archangel Rescuer Vest is the result of a collaboration between Polish companies Currahee and BC Arms. It was created in…

2025-05-16 | Mariusz Rams | 6 minutes

Direct Action Spitfire Plate Carrier – Part 1: Testing the Carrier

Nowadays, the market offers a wide range of options in the gear and load-bearing equipment category. One of the most basic…

2025-05-08 | Michał Gaweł | 14 minutes

Enforce Tac 2025 starts on February 24th

Enforce Tac is an international trade fair aimed at law enforcement officers, experts from government agencies, and representatives of the…

2025-01-30 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

POLSECURE: Holsters HPE Poland offer for uniformed services

At the 3rd International Police and Public Security Fair POLSECURE 2024 in Kielce, Holsters HPE Poland presented its offer for…

2024-05-01 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

MSBS GROT BULLPUP conversion now available

Fabryka Broni “Łucznik” Radom is introducing long-awaited conversion kits for the MSBS GROT S16 FB-M1 and S10 FB-M1 semi-automatic rifles,…

2025-06-02 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

IDET 2025: Grand Power Showcases M4M1 Carbines for the Slovak Armed Forces

At the International Defence and Security Technologies Fair IDET 2023 in the Czech Republic, Grand Power — a Slovak firearms manufacturer — showcased…

2025-05-28 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

Setting Up a Shooting Belt: An Example with Clawgear

To assist with shooting training and beyond, various belts and gear configurations have been developed and customized to suit individual needs. It’s…

2024-11-28 | Łukasz Kołodziejski | 14 minutes

Weapon light: a practical tool for everyday service. How to choose?

In the world of armed forces, where every second can determine the outcome of an operation, precision and effectiveness are…

2024-08-29 | Redakcja | 7 minutes

Over 100% increase in gun permits in Poland in 2024

The Polish Police have released statistical data on firearm permits issued in 2024. An increasing number of Poles now hold…

2025-02-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Firearms In Poland 2023: Number of permits continues to grow

The National Police Headquarters has released statistics regarding the number of firearm permits and firearms themselves in the hands of…

2024-02-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

5 Best Value ATN Rifle Scopes Under €1500

ATN is a leading manufacturer of daytime optics, smart night vision, and thermal vision technology. The innovative features and ergonomic designs…

2022-11-11 | Redakcja | 8 minutes

MILMAG Visits Grand Power

Grand Power is a Slovak manufacturer of the acknowledged good quality firearms. Take part in our guided tour with English subtitles.

2022-05-23 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

Protective Rescuer Vest – BC Arms Archangel

The Archangel Rescuer Vest is the result of a collaboration between Polish companies Currahee and BC Arms. It was created in…

2025-05-16 | Mariusz Rams | 6 minutes

Direct Action Spitfire Plate Carrier – Part 1: Testing the Carrier

Nowadays, the market offers a wide range of options in the gear and load-bearing equipment category. One of the most basic…

2025-05-08 | Michał Gaweł | 14 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

The first FA-50PL will be ready in 2025?

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) presented the current progress on the Polish version of the FA-50 aircraft at their facility in Sacheon to Polish journalists. The MILMAG editorial team, while learning about the advancements in the FA-50PL project, had the opportunity to ask several questions about what the “Fafik” will be capable of in a configuration aligned with the expectations of the Polish Air Force.

The FA-50PL is taking shape

Undoubtedly, the most significant declaration from the Korean side is the announcement of the first flight of the aircraft in the configuration requested by Poland. According to Kang Goo-Young, President and CEO of KAI, the first FA-50PL is scheduled for its maiden flight in November 2025. However, for this to happen, the final specifications must be approved, followed by a minimum nine-month period required for implementation.

A prototype FA-50, serving as a testing platform for the solutions that will be implemented in the Polish FA-50PL

According to the head of the Korean company, intensive discussions are ongoing between the Polish Ministry of National Defense (MON), KAI, and Lockheed Martin, as the American corporation owns the rights to many of the solutions used in the KF-50 and must grant approval for any modifications.

The requirements of the Ministry of National Defense

The Polish Ministry of Defense expects a significant increase in capabilities compared to the FA-50GF (Gap Filler) currently operated by the Air Force. As KAI representatives informed the MILMAG editorial team:

The FA-50GF and FA-50PL share the same cockpit configuration to ensure that Polish pilots can operate both aircraft seamlessly. The PL variant introduces new features such as an aerial refueling system, an external fuel tank with a capacity of 300 gallons, and a Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD). Additionally, the information presented on cockpit displays has been updated to reflect the functions of modified avionics systems and new weaponry. The Scorpion HMD introduced in the PL version enhances the pilot’s situational awareness without requiring significant changes to the cockpit layout.

Moreover, the upgraded FA-50s will be equipped with modern AESA PhantomStrike radars. Implementing this solution necessitated a redesign of the aircraft’s nose section. However, as Polish journalists invited to Korea observed, a prototype FA-50 adapted to these new requirements is already undergoing trials at KAI facilities (Sniper pod production for Polish FA-50s).

The modified nose section of the aircraft has been adapted for testing the AESA PhantomStrike radar

A key factor that could significantly impact the program’s schedule is undoubtedly the need to finalize the tripartite agreements. As MILMAG learned, “The FA-50PL is the highest-specification variant of the FA-50 aircraft. Its capability development is being carried out in close cooperation between KAI engineers and our American partner, Lockheed Martin. While there may be some challenges associated with its development, KAI is making every effort to minimize the risk of schedule delays. At this stage, it is not possible to provide an exact delivery timeline for the FA-50PL.”

This situation stems from the Polish Ministry of National Defense’s expectation to arm the Polish aircraft with AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, which would significantly enhance their combat capabilities against other aircraft. However, this requires approval from the Americans, which the Polish and Korean sides are currently working to secure.

The FA-50 aircraft belonging to the 53rd Air Demonstration Group, commonly known as the Black Eagles, represent the Republic of Korea Air Force during official demonstrations. On a daily basis, they are stationed at the base in Wonju.

Finally, according to KAI representatives, the FA-50PL is expected to have the following advanced capabilities compared to the FA-50GF:

  1. Integrated AESA Radar is Capable of simultaneously detecting and tracking ground and air targets. It supports various air-to-air and air-to-ground combat modes, making it ideal for strike missions. The SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) imaging capability, combined with precision weaponry, significantly enhances mission execution effectiveness.
  2. FA-50PL is equipped with Link-16 System enabling real-time sharing of battlefield information and receiving and executing orders from command and control (C2) systems.
  3. Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) System supports operations in Mode 5 with improved encryption and enhanced resistance to jamming.
  4. Altitude, speed, weapon symbols, and target information are displayed in various colors on Helmet-Mounted Display (HDM), increasing pilot situational awareness. Using the AIM-9X missile, the pilot can detect and engage enemy aircraft from the side or rear.
  5. SATURN Radio allows for fast and continuous frequency and encryption system changes in the UHF band, enhancing jamming resistance and security.
  6. Thanks to an advanced short-range missile AIM-9X Missile, the FA-50PL has superior agility in close-range combat and the ability to quickly track and intercept targets.
    These features collectively elevate the FA-50PL’s combat and operational capabilities to meet modern battlefield demands.

The production of the FA-50PL is already underway

The above configuration was agreed upon some time ago, which made it possible to commence the production of the FA-50PL. As we observed on KAI’s production line at the Sacheon facility, six FA-50PL aircraft are currently being assembled. The most advanced units are those with serial numbers 13, 14, and 15. Therefore, it can be assumed that these aircraft will be the first to undergo test flights and be delivered.

One of the first FA-50PLs on the assembly line at KAI’s facility in Sacheon

Simultaneously with the assembly process, tests of the prototype are underway, which might potentially be used for testing solutions for the Korean modernization program. However, as KAI assures, “The FA-50 Block 20 program has not yet been finally defined.

The nose section of the FA-50 aircraft is being transported to the assembly station on an automated platform at KAI’s facility in Sacheon

As part of the prototype testing of the Polish version, the aerial refueling system is being evaluated. According to information provided to MILMAG, it has already completed nearly all the required tests as scheduled. The integration of the new AESA radar requires slightly more work, with flight tests planned for 2025. The final step will be integrating the radar with the approved weaponry.

The aerial refueling system has already been installed on the in-house FA-50 and is undergoing testing

The Future Development of the FA-50

An interesting aspect could be the potential future integration of the FA-50 (in both the PL and Block 20 variants) with unmanned platforms. However, such a solution requires further refinement of operational use concepts for the Korean aircraft. As representatives of the manufacturer informed MILMAG: “KAI is working on the AAP (Adaptable Aerial Platform) program, a UAV system that can be operated by the FA-50. Data exchanged between the AAP and the FA-50 includes information such as location, status, assigned tasks, etc. The second pilot can control the AAP using a tablet, both for formation flights and task assignment.

The AAP (Adaptable Aerial Platform) program developed by KAI envisions the creation of multi-role unmanned aerial vehicles designed to operate alongside FA-50 and KF-21 aircraft. These jet-powered platforms are expected to reach speeds of 730 km/h (Mach 0.6) and carry payloads of up to 24 kg over a range of 400 km

During a briefing in Sacheon, KAI representatives stated that a single FA-50 will be able to control 2-4 unmanned platforms of varying sizes and purposes. Interestingly, the crew will be supported by next-generation avionics, incorporating elements of artificial intelligence. Furthermore, KAI is considering potential collaboration with other users of their aircraft.

Can the FA-50PL be a fully capable combat aircraft?

Although the Korean light aircraft has been given the somewhat unassuming nickname “Fafik” (a popular dog name–translator’s note) in Poland, we had the opportunity to see how the Koreans utilize their FA-50 Block 10. During a visit to a Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) base, we spoke with pilots from the 8th Fighter Wing, who fly the FA-50 and are responsible for the defense of Seoul.

Used by pilots of the 8th Fighter Wing stationed at the base in Wonju. The photo shows an AIM-9L missile and a KGGB precision bomb

In conversation, the Koreans emphasized that this is a full-scale combat aircraft, capable of carrying 4.5 tons of weaponry. At the base, journalists were presented with the arsenal used by the Korean FA-50. This included AIM-9L air-to-air missiles, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles, stand-off guided bombs (Korean Guided Bomb KGGB and JDAM), and CBU-105 cluster bombs. Complemented by a 20-mm cannon, this impressive arsenal enables precise ground target attacks as well as self-defense in the event of an air attack.

The Koreans have the capability to conduct precise ground target attacks using AGM-65 Maverick missiles / Photos: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG

After the conclusion of the tripartite negotiations, the Polish FA-50PLs, equipped with AESA radar and medium-range air-to-air missiles, will have significant potential to support other Air Force aircraft. Of course, the laws of physics cannot be cheated, and no one in their right mind would position the “Fafiks” as air superiority fighters. However, after completing the adaptation program to meet Polish requirements, these aircraft will be capable of delivering a sharp sting to the enemy, both on the ground and in the air.

X