KAI Unveils Next-Generation Air Combat System at Poland International Defence Industry Exhibition, Expanding Push into Europe

Integration of UAVs with KF-21 and FA-50
Expanding European Exports from Poland as a Strategic Base
Exploring New Business Opportunities in Romania, Bulgaria, and Beyond

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is seeking to expand into the European market by showcasing its manned-unmanned teaming systems at the Poland International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO 2026).

Shindonghak Shin, Executive Director of KAI's Europe and Americas Division (right in the photo), introducing the KF-21 to military officials visiting the KAI booth at the MSPO 2026, the Poland International Defence Industry Exhibition. Photo by KAI

KAI announced on September 9 that it is participating in MSPO 2026, held in Kielce, Poland from September 8 to 11 (local time). The company is introducing its flagship models, including the KF-21, FA-50, Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), and Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH), as well as next-generation airborne combat systems.

At this exhibition, KAI unveiled its Next-Generation Air Combat System (NACS), which integrates the KF-21, Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), Advanced Airborne Platform (AAP), and low-earth orbit communication satellites. By doing so, the company is presenting a developmental direction to expand Korean fighter jets into future sixth-generation combat systems.

The FA-50 features the manned-unmanned teaming system (MUM-T), integrated with the AAP. Since KAI signed a supply contract with Poland for 48 FA-50 units in 2022, the FA-50 has been a key model in efforts to expand into the European market.

In the rotary-wing sector, LAH and MAH models are being displayed with the manned-unmanned teaming system linked to Air-Launched Effects (ALE). Building on this, KAI plans to target demand for replacing aging helicopters in Europe.

During the exhibition, KAI will seek follow-up business with Polish partners and discuss new projects with officials from countries with fighter jet replacement needs, including Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovenia.

Kim Jihong, Executive Vice President of KAI, stated, "The proven performance and reliability of Korean aircraft, demonstrated through the FA-50, are fueling interest in the KF-21. We aim to strengthen the presence of domestically produced aircraft across Europe, with Poland serving as a base."

KAI opened a base office at the Minsk Air Base in Poland in 2023, and in June last year, the company established a European subsidiary in Warsaw to accelerate local business expansion.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.