Fact Check: "Poland's Air Force Commander test-flew the KF-21 during his visit."
What We Know
Recent reports confirm that the Commander of the Polish Air Force, Major General Irenewsch Novak, did indeed participate in a test flight of the KF-21 fighter jet during his visit to South Korea. This visit occurred on June 26, 2023, and was part of a broader initiative to strengthen defense ties between Poland and South Korea. The Polish delegation toured the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) headquarters and participated in demonstrations of both the KF-21 and the FA-50PL fighter jet, which Poland has contracted to acquire (Defense Mirror, Korea IT Times, Defense Talks).
Analysis
The claim that the Polish Air Force Commander test-flew the KF-21 is supported by multiple credible sources. For instance, the article from Defense Mirror notes that the visit included a "test drive" of the KF-21, while Korea IT Times explicitly states that the Commander was onboard the KF-21 during the visit. Additionally, Defense Talks emphasizes that this flight was part of efforts to enhance bilateral defense cooperation.
The information provided by these sources appears reliable, as they are reputable publications focused on defense and aerospace news. However, it is essential to consider that the term "test-flew" can be somewhat ambiguous. It may imply a formal test flight or a demonstration flight, which could differ in terms of the level of operational testing involved.
Conclusion
Needs Research: While there is substantial evidence that the Polish Air Force Commander did fly the KF-21 during his visit to South Korea, the specifics of the flight—whether it was a formal test flight or a demonstration—remain somewhat unclear. Further clarification from official military or government sources would be beneficial to fully substantiate the claim.
