Kim Jin-hyuk, the head of the export strategy planning office at Kai, discusses the FA-50 fighter jet and its export to Poland. He highlights its advanced capabilities, digitalization with Link 16, and versatility as both a fighter and trainer aircraft. The FA-50 is making its mark in Europe, expanding into new markets. Kim mentions the challenges Boeing faced with its trainer aircraft project and the potential for Lockheed Martin and Kai to collaborate on the US Navy tactical trainer project. He emphasizes the strong cost-effectiveness of the FA-50 and its potential for further export. The KF-21 fighter jet is also garnering interest from potential customers, marking a significant milestone in its development.
1. The text is about the FA-50 light attack aircraft, developed by a company in Gyeongnam, South Korea.
2. The FA-50 aircraft was launched for Poland last month, marking the first export of the aircraft.
3. The launch ceremony was held on June 7th at Seongdae and was attended by defense ministers of both countries, government officials, and pilots currently training in Korea.
4. The FA-50 light attack aircraft has Mach 1.5 performance and is already equipped with the Link 16 for digitalization.
5. The FA-50 fighter is nicknamed the Fighting Eagle and is a multi-role aircraft that can now fight and train.
6. The armament of the FA-50 is almost similar to that of the F-16, and the equipment is also almost universal.
7. The FA-50 is equipped with the latest avionics equipment and is automated for each mode.
8. The FA-50 has a small load and the shape of the front and rear seats is similar.
9. The development cost of the FA-50 will go up a little bit every time it's sold. If modified to fill in a little more fuel after that, the range will be about 20% longer.
10. The FA-50 is scheduled to be transported by disassembling it, loading it on a cargo plane or cargo ship, reassembling it locally, and then delivering it.
11. The FA-50 has been recognized for its performance and has already cleared the gateway to entering or expanding the European market.
12. The FA-50 has been exported to Southeast Asia such as Thailand, but this time it was exported to Poland, marking the first time exports have penetrated the European sky.
13. The FA-50 has been exported to Malaysia for 18 aircraft, and there are discussions on a contract for 18 additional aircraft.
14. The FA-50 is overwhelmingly superior in terms of cost-effectiveness and operational maintenance. In comparison, in terms of maneuverability, it is about 80 to 85%, and in terms of price, it is only about 50 to 60%.
15. The FA-50 continues to be improved through follow-up improvement projects. The F-16 will continue to improve its performance.
16. The development of the next-generation trainer T7's Red Hawk is not progressing as well as expected. Flight errors occur, and there is a risk of hitting the cafe, so development is slowing down a bit.
17. The first strategy to enter quickly without missing this opportunity would be the U.S. Navy advanced trainer project. That business must come first, and then other businesses can be linked and commercialized.
18. The FA-50 is expected to be a significant competitor in the U.S. business, which is the largest. The U.S. business is divided into three markets: the U.S. Navy Advanced Trainer Society, the US Air Force tactical trainers, and the US Navy tactical trainers.