South Korea’s Combat Proven FA-50 Lightweight Fighter to See Sales to Canada

South Korea’s highly successful FA-50 lightweight twin seat combat jet is expected to gain a new client over the coming twelve months, with the ITPS Canada Ltd tactical aviation training service expected to purchase the aircraft to replace its ageing Aero L-39C Albatros trainer jets. The FA-50 was designed for combat, and has been used extensively by both the Iraqi Air Force and the Philippines Air Force for this purpose with very positive feedback regarding its performance. The fighter’s very low operational costs and ease of maintenance, however, also allow it to serve as a highly cost effective trainer, with ITPS also intending to use the jets for adversary training to mimic the capabilities of enemy aircraft for mock air battles. ITPS has provided tactical training since 2001, and its clients have included Airbus, for which it trains company test pilots, as well as the Indonesian Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force and the Pakistani Air Force. Indonesia and Thailand notably themselves field FA-50 jets.

ITPS plans to acquire 8-12 FA-50 jets, with the Canadian company’s President Giorgio Clementi referring to it as a “great aircraft” and stating regarding its capabilities: “The aircraft’s performance, flying qualities, and mission capabilities make it the ideal platform for tactical and adversary training missions and a great fit for ITPS to replace our L-39 fleet. A new aircraft supported by the manufacturer and with the associated engineering and logistical support ensures reliable and cost-effective operations into the future.” The FA-50 has also gained considerable interest from the U.S. Air Force, and South Korea’s defence sector is expected to build on the program’s success by developing a far more ambitious fighter under the KF-X program. The KF-X is expected to target many of the same markets as the FA-50, and also prioritises a low operational cost and ease of maintenance, although it will be a heavier aircraft with fifth generation capabilities including stealth technologies and access to a much wider range of offensive weaponry such as bunker busting cruise missiles and Meteor long range anti aircraft missiles.