Poland Considers Acquiring KGGB for FA-50PL – Will Malaysia Follow Suit for FA-50M?

(DEFENSE SECURITY ASIA) – As part of its air force modernization program, Poland is considering acquiring the Korean GPS Guided Bomb (KGGB) for its fighter jets, particularly the FA-50PL, which is expected to enter service in 2025.

Developed by LIG Nex1, the KGGB has already been adopted by countries such as Thailand and Saudi Arabia.

The KGGB is designed to convert conventional 500-pound Mk.82 bombs into long-range guided munitions, allowing Polish fighter jets to strike targets at distances between 80 and 103 km while remaining outside enemy air defense zones.

Weighing over 300 kg, the KGGB was first introduced into service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) in 2013.

It is a medium-range, highly accurate guided bomb that utilizes GPS (Global Positioning System) and INS (Inertial Navigation System) guidance.

Mission data is input into the Pilot Display Unit (PDU), and the KGGB – a standalone system – operates autonomously once launched by the pilot.

Mission data uploads are conducted on the ground, and the KGGB enhances aircraft survivability by enabling launch from more than 100 km away from the target.

After deploying the conventional bomb equipped with the KGGB kit, the aircraft can immediately return to base.

The KGGB kit features a specialized “Flaperon” wing, which allows in-flight control of altitude and speed, ensuring high precision in target engagement.

The Polish Air Force will operate 48 FA-50 light fighter jets following a US$3 billion (RM13.5 billion) contract signed with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in September 2022 for the acquisition of 48 FA-50s.

Poland plans to retire its fleet of Russian-made MiG-29 and Su-22 fighters, replacing them with the FA-50GF and FA-50PL variants from KAI.

Poland will receive 36 FA-50PL jets – the Block 20 variant – similar to those to be operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

The remaining 12 aircraft are FA-50GF (Gap Filler) models, which have already been delivered.

Additionally, Poland has agreed to procure 34 advanced targeting pods, the “Sniper” Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP), valued at US$124.7 million (RM561 million), to equip its FA-50PL jets.

At the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA ’23), South Korea’s LIG Nex1 showcased the KGGB.

In addition to the KM-SAM medium-range air defense system, the company reportedly hopes Malaysia will adopt the KGGB – an air-to-ground glide guidance kit for general-purpose Mk-82 bombs.

This was confirmed by LIG Nex1 officials during an interview with Defense Security Asia at LIMA ’23.

“Given that Malaysia has signed a contract to acquire 18 FA-50 Block 20 light fighter jets from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), we are also promoting the KGGB, which is not only used by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) but also by FA-50 operators in Southeast Asia,” the official stated. – DSA