Sales opportunities for advanced trainer jets open up in Eastern Europe
Poland will acquire 48 KA-50 jets for both training and combat roles. (Photo: KAI)
Following the Polish Air Force acquisition of 48 KAI FA-50 jets, other countries including Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia could also opt for a single-type solution for advanced trainer/light attack requirements.
The surprise purchase of 48 KAI FA-50 fighter/attack aircraft by Poland, announced on 27 July, could be a harbinger of more such deals in Eastern Europe. A number of countries in the region need modern, high-end jet trainers that can also perform combat missions to complement their limited numbers of multi-role fighters.
iThe Polish government’s rationale for the purchase of the Korean-made jets covers a combination of factors, the most important being the need to quickly replace Soviet-era MiG-29 and Su-22 combat aircraft, which currently equip three frontline squadrons.
Further factors were the lack of any serious alternative with quick delivery times and
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