The single-seat KAI FA-50 project intends to replace the aircraft's second cockpit and crewperson with an additional fuel tank to increase the type's combat radius. (KAI)

South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) has announced a plan to fund the development of the single-seat version of the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50 light trainer and attack aircraft.

The ministry said on 3 May that KRW49.4 billion (USD36.39 million) will be invested with KAI to develop the single-seat version. The project aims to improve the FA-50's ability to compete in the international market and expand the national “export portfolio”, according to the ministry.

“This development project intended to modify the single-seat airframe and include an auxiliary fuel system to increase operational radius by up to 30%,” MOTIE said.

Janes has previously reported on KAI's plan to develop the single-seat variant by removing the second pilot and cockpit and installing a 300 gal auxiliary fuel system in that space. In February 2023 during the Singapore Airshow, a KAI spokesperson told Janes that the aircraft's operational range could potentially be increased to as much as 20% as a result. Janes

US lawmakers are criticising the US Navy's decision to cut a Virginia-class submarine, similar to the one shown here, from the recent budget request. (Janes/Michael Fabey)

US lawmakers are continuing to question the US Navy (USN) fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget request that cuts a Virginia-class attack submarine (SSN) from its funding proposal.

Initially, the USN had planned for two Virginias for the fiscal year, but now the service is asking for only a single submarine in the FY 2025 request submitted earlier in 2024.

In recent hearings on the budget US lawmakers have criticised the Virginia submarine cut.

Washington State Congressman Adam Smith, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), continued the criticism on 1 May during a HASC hearing on the USN FY 2025 budget request.

The AA signed a second executive contract with Hanwha on 25 April for 72 K239 Chunmoo MRLs (pictured), several thousands of missiles, and technology transfer. (Hanwha Aerospace)

The Polish Armaments Agency (AA) signed a second executive contract with Hanwha Aerospace for 72 K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers (MRLs) on 25 April, the Polish Ministry of National Defence (MND) and the South Korean company announced the same day. The USD1.6 billion contract also covers the delivery of several thousands of missiles with ranges of 80–290 km, including the 600 mm CTM290, and technology transfer.

The Polish MND said on its website that it expected the contract to have a significant impact on the development of the Polish defence industry, with the technologies acquired allowing the establishment of a capability to carry out repairs and modernisation, as well as produce spare parts for the MRLs and launch pods for 122 mm rockets produced by MESKO, part of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ).