Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is focused on the potential to expand FA-50 fleets with existing customers in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.
The Philippines appears to have the most potential, according to Shin Dong Hak, vice-president of international business development at KAI.
The company has a programme for Manila’s existing fleet of 12 FA-50s that will see the jets receive an upgraded datalink as well as larger external fuel tanks.
In addition, Manila wants to buy 12 more FA-50s, with a decision due in 2025. The new jets will eschew the existing mechanically scanned radar in favour of the Raytheon Phantom Strike active electronically scanned array radar.
Indonesia has the potential to add FA-50s to its existing fleet of T-50 trainers – the jet from which the FA-50 is derived. Initially, Jakarta could obtain 10-12 examples to replace BAE Systems Hawks and Northrop F-5s, but this number could ultimately grow to 40 aircraft.
The Indonesian requirement, however, sees the FA-50 pitted against types including the Aero Vodochody L-39NG and Leonardo M-346.
Shin suggests that no decision is imminent, because Jakarta needs to work the aircraft acquisition into its long-term budget plans. Jakarta also intends to obtain simulators for its T-50is and KAI KT-1 basic trainers.
In Thailand, KAI has also put forward the FA-50 as a possible alternative to the Lockheed Martin F-16 and Saab Gripen E/F – news emerged recently that the Royal Thai Air Force favours the Swedish type.
“If the Thai air force wants the Gripen, we respect their decision,” says Shin. “FA-50 is another alternative solution for them, but we’ll just wait.”
Further abroad, KAI recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Peru MRO firm Seman to produce parts for the FA-50.
Asked whether the South American country intends to place an FA-50 order, Shin says that KAI has discussed the aircraft with senior Peruvian officials. In August the head of the Peruvian air force will visit South Korea, followed by the defence minister in September. The FA-50 will be a part of their itineraries.
The FA-50 will also be a discussion point between the leaders of Peru and South Korea at November’s APEC – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation – summit in Lima. Should Peru obtain the FA-50, the initial commitment is likely to be for 4-8 examples.
KAI faces a rival in Peru, however: used F-16s from the USA.
Shin also offered an update on KAI’s plans for a single-seat FA-50. The company is working on the single seater with “strong support” from the South Korean government. The updated variant will see the back seat replaced with a fuel tank to extend the jet’s range.
“We’ve started our preliminary design and safety analysis for installing the fuel tank in the back seat [position],” says Shin.
This project should be completed in 2028. KAI says that overall the single-seater will enjoy a 25% range improvement. For air-to-air missions the improvement will be 26%, and for air-to-ground missions 24%.
Updated with details from KAI about range improvements for the single seater.
