The Polish government reached an agreement on Friday to buy 48 new light combat aircraft from South Korea to increase its military capabilities in the wake of Russia's invasion on Ukraine.
Today's contract is part of the $13.7 billion deal earlier agreed between the two countries, under which Warsaw will receive South Korean FA-50 fighter jets to replace its outdated MiG-29s.
Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said that the first shipment of 12 planes would be delivered to the country's army next year. "Old aircraft will be replaced by modern FA-50 aircraft - this will be a generational leap. The FA-50 is of the same generation as the F-16, which will significantly strengthen the Polish Air Force," the minister said.
