KAI participates in Poland's defense exhibition

Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) announced on Wednesday that it is participating in the MSPO International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce, Poland.

From the previous day until Friday, it will undertake marketing activities targeting Central Europe and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries. 

At this exhibition, KAI is showcasing its next-generation flagship models, including the FA-50PL export version fighter aircraft for Poland, the KF-21 fighter jet with proven performance after interim operational evaluation, the light-armed helicopter (LAH), vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aircraft NI-500VT, and unmanned AAV.

The company aims to enter the European market with these advanced aerospace technologies.

This year, with Korea as the lead nation, KAI has set up a booth within the Korea Pavilion, aligning with the government's defense industry support policy under the One Team strategy to enhance synergy.

KAI's strategy at MSPO 2023 is to focus on marketing FA-50 and KF-21 fighter jets to major European countries with fighter replacement demands. The KF-21 boasts high compatibility with the FA-50 and ease of transition, generating significant interest as a next-generation fighter aircraft in Poland.

KAI also plans to meet with key officials from NATO member countries such as Slovakia and Bulgaria to introduce the excellence of FA-50 and KF-21 and identify potential customers.

Polish President Andrzej Duda visited KAI's booth after the opening ceremony and expressed his country's interest in collaborating with KAI to explore opportunities in the European and NATO markets for the FA-50. He also expressed satisfaction with the rapid delivery of KAI, contributing to the early modernization of the Polish Air Force.

"The FA-50 would be an optimal solution with high compatibility for NATO member countries operating F-16 fighter jets," CEO of KAI Kang Goo-Young said. "The global market entry of the KF-21 would continue to drive explosive growth for Korea's defense industry."

Additionally, on the opening day, KAI signed a business agreement with Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), a Polish defense group overseeing over 40 state-owned defense contractors.

The agreement covers FA-50 follow-on support, MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul), production and procurement of support equipment, modernization projects, and future collaboration on long-term opportunities for military support and performance enhancement.

Write to Mi-Sun Kang at misunny@hankyung.com