Commander of Polish Air Force takes test flight in KF-21 fighter jet prototype

General Lee Young-su, Chief of Staff of South Korea’s Air Force, welcomed Major General Ireneusz Nowak, Inspector of the Polish Air Force, at his office in Gyeryong, around 140 kilometres south of Seoul.

“Through the talks, we could strengthen defence cooperation between our forces such as sharing operational know-how of the FA-50 fighter jet and discussing ways to enhance personnel exchange,” said General Lee. The meeting aimed to enhance practical collaboration between the two air forces as part of their growing defence partnership.

Major General Nowak’s visit included plans to tour the Air Force’s 1st Fighter Wing, where Polish pilots are currently undergoing training on the FA-50. He was also scheduled to visit the facilities of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) Co., the manufacturer of the FA-50 and KF-21 fighter jets.

As part of his itinerary, Nowak was expected to participate in a test flight of the KF-21 fighter jet prototype. He was also due to meet with the head of South Korea’s state arms procurement agency and the CEO of KAI to discuss follow-up measures related to the FA-50 deal.

Poland signed a contract with KAI in 2022 to purchase 48 FA-50 fighter jets, marking a significant step in bilateral defence ties. By 2024, the Polish Air Force had already deployed 12 FA-50GF aircraft, with plans to introduce an additional 36 FA-50PL units in stages.