Poland Puts 12 FA-50GF Fighters on Combat Duty Against Russian Jet Drones

Poland has declared its 12 FA-50GF light combat aircraft ready for combat duty, with Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announcing the milestone on October 2. The jets will reinforce national air defense and protection of the eastern border after the acquisition of weapons needed to move beyond their initial training role. All 12 interim aircraft have been delivered, beginning with the first pair in August 2023, under a wider order for 48 Korea Aerospace Industries fighters. The remaining 36 aircraft are the more specialized FA-50PL version, whose deliveries had not begun at the time of the announcement.