Poland Arms FA-50 Jets with AIM-9L Missiles, Orders Rosomak Medical Evacuation Vehicles

Poland’s Ministry of National Defence has signed two new military contracts, equipping its FA-50 light combat aircraft with AIM-9L air-to-air missiles and ordering twelve Medical Evacuation Vehicles based on the KTO Rosomak armored chassis.

“This is an important moment. The FA-50 aircraft finally has armament,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. “It is now ready for combat operations, not just training.”

The contract for the AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles marks the first time Poland’s FA-50 fleet has received operational weaponry. A total of 24 missiles will be delivered — two per aircraft — enabling twelve FA-50s to conduct combat patrols in pairs. These missiles will undergo a full renovation before being handed over to the Polish Armed Forces.

Kosiniak-Kamysz criticized previous delays: “When we came to the ministry, there was no certification authorizing the use of this aircraft. Without armament, it was not possible to include the aircraft in NATO patrols. We are now fixing those mistakes.”

The AIM-9L is part of the AIM-9 missile family, designed to engage airborne targets at close range.

Meanwhile, the second contract, signed with the Rosomak company under the Polish Armament Group, covers the acquisition of twelve Medical Evacuation Vehicles built on the KTO Rosomak chassis, at a cost of approximately PLN 250 million. The first four will be delivered soon, with an option for more units later.

These specialized vehicles will be used in operations including border deployments. “We use this type of vehicle on the Polish–Belarusian border,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz.

The Rosomak MEV variant is built for battlefield casualty evacuation. It includes systems for stretcher support, oxygen supply, medical power outlets, radio communications, and CBRN protection.

“Ukraine has shown how battlefield medicine is evolving,” Kosiniak-Kamysz added. “Vehicles like these are essential. It is no longer just about helicopters — quick response from soldiers and ground evacuation vehicles has become vital.”

In December 2024, the Ministry signed an earlier contract for 80 Rosomak APCs, with deliveries scheduled for 2027 and 2028.