KAI opens office in Polish Air Force base

South Korea's leading aerospace manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced that it opened its sixth overseas base on Wednesday at the 23rd Air Base in Mińsk Mazowiecki, Poland. 

The new office will provide customer and technical support for the 48 FA-50 light combat aircraft that KAI has contracted to deliver to the Polish Air Force.

The office will allow KAI to provide round-the-clock support to the Polish Air Force. 24-hour on-base presence to support FA-50 operation. 

KAI is also hoping to use the new base to increase the exposure of its domestically manufactured aircraft to European nations.

The company plans to deliver 12 of the 48 contracted aircraft to Poland by the end of the year, a move that is expected to showcase KAI's rapid production capabilities to its neighboring nations.

In addition to establishing the new base, KAI has also proposed a medium and long-term operation support scheme for the Polish Air Force.

The proposal includes provisions for maintenance, technical and military support, parts procurement, and training.

KAI believes that this strategic support will account for 6-70% of the aircraft's lifecycle, generating high value-added benefits.

If adopted, it would secure KAI's position as a comprehensive follow-up support center catering to diverse maintenance needs not just in Poland, but across Europe.

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