Home
Catalog
Fighter Jets
FA-50 Golden Eagle Fighter Jet

FA-50 Golden Eagle Fighter Jet

Brand: KAI (Korea Aerospace Industries)
Category: Fighter Jets
Add to Compare

Generation 4+
Maximum Speed Mach 1.5 (1,837 km/h)
No. of Engines 1
Radar Range ~80–100 km (AESA radar)

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	FA-50 Golden Eagle
Manufacturer	Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) & Lockheed Martin
Country of Origin	South Korea
Type / Role	Light multirole combat aircraft
Generation	4+
Status	In production and operational
First Flight	2011
Introduction / In Service Since	2013
Number Built	60+
Operators	South Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Poland

Dimensions & Structure

Length	43.1 ft (13.1 m)
Wingspan	31.2 ft (9.45 m)
Height	16.7 ft (5.1 m)
Wing Area	23.7 m²
Empty Weight	6,470 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	12,300 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	7

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.5
Range	1,850 km
Combat Radius	480 km
Service Ceiling	14,600 m
Rate of Climb	198 m/s
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	0.96
G Limits	+8.5 / -3

Powerplant

Engine Type	General Electric F404-GE-102 turbofan
No. of Engines	1
Thrust (each)	17,700 lbf
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	~2,655 liters internal

Armament

Gun	20mm General Dynamics M61 Vulcan
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	AIM-9 Sidewinder
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	AGM-65 Maverick
Bombs	JDAM, Paveway II, MK-82
Hardpoints	7
Payload Capacity	4,500 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	EL/M-2032 or AESA radar
Radar Range	80–100 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Integrated RWR/Chaff/Flare
Targeting System	LITENING Pod compatible
Helmet Display	Yes
Navigation	INS/GPS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Digital autopilot
Communication	Secure UHF/VHF radios, data link

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Moderate (~1–2 m²)
Stealth Features	Minimal shaping, reduced frontal signature
Infrared Signature Reduction	Basic exhaust management
Sensor Fusion	Limited
Networking Capabilities	Link-16 compatible

Variants

Special Export Versions

FA-50PL (Poland), FA-50PH (Philippines), FA-50TH (Thailand), FA-50ID (Indonesia – proposed)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Counterinsurgency and maritime patrols (Philippines)
Notable Operators	ROKAF, PAF, RTAF, Polish Air Force
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Air defense, ground attack, maritime strike, training

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	~$30–35 million
Development Cost	~$2 billion
Program Name	T-50/FA-50 Golden Eagle
Funding Countries	South Korea, United States (Lockheed partnership)

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Aerial refueling, AESA radar, EW enhancements
Future Replacement	KF-21 Boramae (partial)
Export Restrictions	U.S. ITAR-compliant
Notable Achievements	First supersonic jet developed by South Korea
Competitors	JF-17 Thunder, LCA Tejas, M-346FA, Gripen C/D

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Cost-effective multirole platform
Proven U.S.-compatible avionics and weapons
AESA radar and precision strike capability
Excellent training-to-combat transition design
Easy maintenance and high sortie rate

CONS

Limited range and payload
Lacks stealth shaping
Single-engine design limits redundancy
No supercruise or thrust vectoring
Restricted in high-intensity combat roles

FA-50 Golden Eagle: South Korea’s Agile Light Fighter

Developed jointly by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Lockheed Martin, the FA-50 Golden Eagle Fighter Jet represents South Korea’s success in building a cost-effective, multirole light fighter. Designed as an advanced derivative of the T-50 supersonic trainer, the FA-50 bridges the gap between lead-in fighter training and frontline combat operations.

Design and Capabilities

The FA-50 features a single General Electric F404-GE-102 turbofan engine, capable of pushing the jet to Mach 1.5 with a combat radius of 300 miles. Compact yet capable, the aircraft carries modern avionics and AESA radar, supporting precision-guided munitions and beyond-visual-range missiles. Its glass cockpit and digital fly-by-wire controls mirror those of fourth-generation fighters, ensuring pilot familiarity and combat readiness.

Armed with an internal 20mm cannon, the FA-50 can carry AIM-9 Sidewinders, AGM-65 Mavericks, and laser-guided or GPS-guided bombs across seven hardpoints. Its versatility allows roles in air defense, strike missions, and reconnaissance.

Operational Use and Global Reach

Since entering service in 2013, the FA-50 has been adopted by South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, and Poland, with more nations considering it as an affordable alternative to heavier fighters like the F-16. The aircraft’s proven reliability, low operating cost, and strong U.S. integration make it particularly appealing for allied nations seeking interoperability with Western systems.

Variants

Field	Example
TA-50	Lead-in fighter trainer variant
FA-50	Standard multirole light combat version
FA-50 Block 10	Baseline model used by South Korea and the Philippines
FA-50 Block 20	Upgraded version with AESA radar, aerial refueling, and improved EW suite
FA-50PL (Poland)	NATO-standard export version with enhanced communications and IFF
FA-50PH (Philippines)	Customized export variant optimized for maritime strike
FA-50TH (Thailand)	Export model for Royal Thai Air Force with localized avionics support
Special Export Versions	FA-50PL (Poland), FA-50PH (Philippines), FA-50TH (Thailand), FA-50ID (Indonesia – proposed)

Reviews

Be the first to add a Review

Please post a user review only if you have / had this product.
Your Name *
Your Email *
Review Title *
Review Text *
Rate this Product
Technology:

8
Performance:

8
Firepower:

8
Range & Endurance:

8
Reliability & Maintenance:

8
Average Rating 6 / 10 based on your selection

Disclaimer Note

The information provided on TheDefenseWatch.com is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of our content regarding defense and aerospace products, technologies, and specifications, we cannot guarantee that all information is 100% accurate or up-to-date due to the evolving nature of military technology and classified data. TheDefenseWatch.com does not warrant the reliability, suitability, or availability of the information for any specific purpose. Users are advised to consult official sources, such as manufacturers, government publications, or defense agencies, for precise and verified data before making decisions based on our content. We are not affiliated with any defense manufacturers, governments, or military organizations mentioned. Opinions, reviews, and ratings reflect expert analysis but are subjective and should not be considered endorsements. TheDefenseWatch.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this website’s content. External links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. TheDefenseWatch.com reserves the right to update or modify content without prior notice. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy & Cookies Policy.