SANDY HOOK, Conn. - Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) plans to introduce a single-seat version of its FA-50 light combat aircraft. Recent sales of FA-50s to Poland and Malaysia have revived plans for the model. The company aims to secure over 50 percent of the global single-seat fighter market by introducing the new variant, named the F-50.
The new single-seater will cater to nations still operating older aircraft models such as F-5, A-37, A-4, and older MiG and Sukhoi models. The F-50 will be customized to meet the specific needs of these countries. To cut costs, the F-50 will retain its current canopy and appearance. Efforts will focus on increasing its range by replacing the back seat with a large fuel tank and enabling air-to-air refueling. Development will begin this year, with completion planned for 2028.
KAI expects to sell over 300 F-50 aircraft, with Malaysia being the primary target. With Malaysia already acquiring the FA-50, KAI hopes the Malaysian Air Force will consider the F-50 (or KF-21) as replacements for its Su-30 Flanker and F/A-18 Hornet. However, the Republic of Korea Air Force has not expressed interest in this FA-50 development.