The Philippines has signed a contract with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to acquire an additional batch of 12 FA-50PH light combat aircraft worth approximately US$700 million, the government-run Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced on 5 June.
KAI noted that the contract calls for deliveries of the aircraft to be completed by June 2030 and will also include follow-up support.
The Philippines Air Force (PAF) currently operates 11 FA-50PH aircraft ordered in 2014. However, one aircraft was lost after it crashed during a mission against communist insurgents in March.
“The additional 12 FA-50PHs will have significantly improved detection and strike capabilities through increased range via aerial refuelling, active electronically scanned array (AESA), and air-to-ground and air-to-air weapons,” stated KAI.
DAPA Commissioner Seok Jong-geon met Secretary of National Defense (DND) of Philippines Gilberto Teodoro Jr in Manila in March to discuss ways to enhance defence co-operation, including the FA-50PH.
South Korea has had considerable success with the T-50/FA-50 family in recent years. It delivered the initial batch of 12 FA-50 GF (Gap Filler) aircraft to Poland under a broader US$3 billion arms package, with the remaining 36 FA-50PL (Poland) aircraft customised for the unique requirements of the Polish Air Force and expected to be delivered between 2025 and 2028.
KAI also secured a US$920 deal with the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) to supply 18 FA-50 aircraft in February 2023.
The company earlier signed a US$240 million agreement with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to provide an additional six T-50i Golden Eagles for its lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT) programme. It added that the Indonesian deal will run through October 2024 and will include associated logistics support.
The FA-50 is a single-engine, supersonic aircraft developed by KAI and derived from the T-50 Golden Eagle trainer built for the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) with technical assistance from Lockheed Martin, with an eye on emerging international requirements for affordable lead-in fighter trainer and light-attack aircraft.
by Jr Ng
