FA-50 Fighting Eagle
South Korean single-engine supersonic light combat aircraft developed by Korea Aerospace Industries from the T-50 Golden Eagle trainer, equipped with an EL/M-2032 radar and used for light fighter and ground-attack missions. Key figures: top speed 1,840 km/h, range 1,851 km, service ceiling 14,630 m, max takeoff weight 10,722 kg. In service with 2 air forces as of 2026 — South Korea (60), Philippines (11).
| Crew | 2 |
| Length | 13.1 m (43.1 ft) |
| Wingspan | 9.5 m (31.0 ft) |
| Height | 4.8 m (15.8 ft) |
| Wing area | 23.7 m² (255.0 sqft) |
| Empty weight | 6,470 kg (14,264 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 10,722 kg (23,638 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 × General Electric F404-GE-102 79 kN each |
| Maximum speed | 1840 km/h (Mach 1.84) |
| Operational range | 1,851 km (1,150 mi) |
| Service ceiling | 14,630 m (47,999 ft) |
| Climb rate | 198.0 m/s (649.6 ft/s) |
- Air-to-Air Short-Range AIM-9L/M Sidewinder
- Air-to-Air Short-Range AIM-9X Sidewinder
- Air-to-Air Medium-Range AIM-120 AMRAAM
- Air-to-Surface AGM-65 Maverick
- Guided Bomb GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition
- Guided Bomb GBU-12 Paveway II
- Guided Bomb KGGB
- Unguided Bomb Mark 82 bomb
- Cluster Bomb CBU-105 WCMD Sensor Fuzed Weapon
- Cluster Bomb CBU-58
- Rocket Pod SUU-20 Dispenser
Description
The FA-50 Fighting Eagle is a single-engine light combat aircraft and light fighter developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) with Lockheed Martin, derived from the T-50 Golden Eagle trainer. The FA-50 prototype first flew in 2011, and the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) ordered 20 aircraft in 2012, followed by a production run of 60 units between 2013 and 2016.
Design
The aircraft features a longer radome, increased internal fuel capacity, a tactical datalink, and triple-redundant digital fly-by-wire controls. It is equipped with an Elta EL/M-2032 pulse-Doppler radar modified by LIG Nex1. Avionics are supported by the NEOS real-time operating system.
Armament
The FA-50 carries up to 5,400 kg of payload across seven hardpoints, consisting of four underwing, two wingtip, and one under-fuselage station. Its fixed armament is an internal 20 mm three-barrel rotary cannon. For air-to-air missions, it carries the AIM-9 Sidewinder, with integration of the AIM-120 AMRAAM planned for beyond-visual-range operations. Air-to-ground ordnance includes the AGM-65 Maverick, Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), and laser-guided bombs such as the GBU-12 Paveway II. The aircraft can also carry Sniper or LITENING targeting pods.
Operational History
The ROKAF officially deployed the FA-50 in 2014. The Philippines ordered 12 FA-50PH variants, which were delivered by May 2017. The Philippine Air Force utilized the FA-50PH in combat during 2017, conducting its first combat sorties in Butig and flying close air support airstrikes against Maute group terrorists during the Battle of Marawi. Poland ordered 48 FA-50 aircraft in 2022 to replace its MiG-29 and Su-22 fleets, consisting of 12 FA-50GF and 36 FA-50PL variants. In 2023, Malaysia signed a contract for 18 FA-50M Block 20 aircraft.
Variants
- FA-50 Block 10: This variant features software upgrades that allow the integration of the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pod.
- FA-50 Block 20: This upgraded variant incorporates an active electronically scanned array radar, a telescopic aerial refueling probe, and conformal fuel tanks.
- FA-50PH: This is the variant configured for the Philippine Air Force, based on the Block 50 standard.
- FA-50PL: This is the variant designed to meet Polish Air Force requirements, based on the Block 70 standard.
- FA-50M: This is the variant ordered for the Royal Malaysian Air Force, based on the Block 70 standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of aircraft is the FA-50 Fighting Eagle?
What is the maximum speed of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle?
What is the range of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle?
When did the FA-50 Fighting Eagle first fly?
Which countries operate the FA-50 Fighting Eagle?
What is the service ceiling of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle?
- AUG 12026 Updated Manufacturer updated
- JUN 302026 Created Page created: FA-50 Fighting Eagle