FIA 2026: KAI to offer T-50 jet trainer to UK Royal Air Force
The T-50/FA-50 trainer and light attack family has already been selected by seven countries. (Photo: KAI)
Another contender for the Royal Air Force’s future Hawk trainer replacement programme has emerged, with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) putting forward its T-50 as a proven solution that could be manufactured in the UK.
KAI claims that its T-50/FA-50 light jet family is an “ideal” contender for the RAF’s Hawk replacement requirement.
Shin Dong-Hak, vice-president of international business at the company, said: “The T-50 already has three options; one is a trainer... and its also proven with a demonstration team.”
One requirement is that the Hawk replacement is the new mount for the Red Arrows. South Korea’s Black Eagles operate the T-50B, which the company says is optimised for display flying.
Shin said that the T-50 can be produced in the UK and that the company is searching for a domestic industrial partner. He
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