Poland buys AIM-9L missiles for FA-50 jets - M5 Dergi
Defence NewsÖne Çıkan

Poland buys AIM-9L missiles for FA-50 jets

Abone Ol 

Poland’s Ministry of National Defense has signed a contract for the delivery of 24 AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles to enhance the operational capabilities of its FA-50 light combat aircraft.

The agreement was concluded on June 30, 2025, in Warsaw in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Secretary of State Paweł Bejda.

During the signing ceremony, Kosiniak-Kamysz stated, “I believe Air Force pilots have been waiting for this moment for a long time.”

The short-range, infrared-guided AIM-9L represents a key upgrade over the AIM-9P variant, which the ministry plans to lease for training purposes. According to defense officials, the leased AIM-9P missiles will allow pilots to practice weapon handling and integration without using newer operational inventory.

The newly acquired AIM-9Ls will be used during air policing and combat standby missions involving the FA-50. These jets, purchased by Poland in 2022 from South Korea, serve as part of the Polish Air Force’s light fighter component and are intended to complement the country’s F-16 fleet.

The FA-50 is capable of carrying a variety of munitions and conducting both training and tactical operations. The introduction of AIM-9L missiles will improve the aircraft’s short-range air-to-air engagement capabilities, particularly in quick reaction alert roles.

Both the AIM-9L and AIM-9P are infrared-guided missiles designed for close-in air combat. The AIM-9L version, introduced as a more modern variant, allows for improved tracking and engagement across a wider range of target aspects. It also supports better performance in head-on scenarios compared to its predecessors.

The Ministry of National Defence has also indicated that twelve FA-50GF aircraft will undergo future modernization to allow for integration of the AIM-9X, the most advanced version of the Sidewinder family. The AIM-9X features off-boresight targeting, thrust-vectoring, and advanced infrared seekers, offering increased maneuverability and kill probability.

The FA-50 fleet continues to expand its role in Polish air defense, serving as a rapid-response platform capable of conducting interception, patrol, and training missions. The missile acquisition underscores Poland’s intent to gradually enhance the platform’s lethality while laying the groundwork for future upgrades.

Abone Ol 

Related Articles

Abone Ol 
Back to top button
Close
Close