FA-50 Fighting Eagle

The FA‑50 Fighting Eagle is a single‑engine, supersonic light combat aircraft developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in partnership with Lockheed Martin. Its origins trace back to the T‑50 advanced trainer program, which first flew in 2002 as part of the Korean government’s effort to create an indigenous jet trainer and later a combat‑capable variant. Officially introduced in 2011, the FA‑50 incorporates a GE‑F414 turbofan, can exceed Mach 1.5, and features a modern avionics suite including a glass cockpit, Helmet‑Mounted Display, and an AN/APG‑63(V)2‑type AESA radar. The aircraft is equipped for air‑to‑air missions with AIM‑120 AMRAAM and AIM‑9 Sidewinder missiles, and for air‑to‑ground strikes using JDAM, GBU‑12, and various rockets. Its relatively low acquisition and operating costs make it attractive to nations seeking a cost‑effective multirole platform, leading to sales to the Philippines, Iraq, and Thailand. The FA‑50 represents a milestone for South Korea, marking the country’s transition from import‑dependent to a credible exporter of combat aircraft, and it bolsters regional security by providing capable air‑power to emerging air forces. Future upgrades aim to integrate a more powerful radar and indigenous weapons, while a dedicated two‑seat T‑50B variant continues to train pilots, ensuring a seamless pipeline from training to combat.

Korea Aerospace Industries

FA-50 Fighting Eagle

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Design & Classification

External References