The Philippines has signed a $700 million contract with Korea Aerospace Industries to purchase 12 additional FA-50 fighter jets. The deal, finalized on Jun. 3 with the Philippine Department of National Defense, will bring the total number of FA-50 aircraft in the Philippine Air Force fleet to 23 units. Delivery of the new aircraft is scheduled for completion by 2030.
Photo: KAI
This procurement represents the second major purchase of FA-50 jets from the South Korean manufacturer. The Philippines initially acquired 12 FA-50 aircraft in 2014 under a separate contract, establishing the foundation for the country’s modern fighter jet capabilities.
The upgraded FA-50PH are Block 20 models that feature extended range through aerial refueling capabilities, advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar systems, and enhanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry. These improvements are expected to significantly boost the Philippine Air Force’s operational capability and defensive readiness.
The FA-50 aircraft have demonstrated their operational value in the Philippines, playing a key role during the Battle of Marawi and maintaining excellent performance throughout their service period. The jets have proven their effectiveness in both combat and training scenarios since entering service.
This contract follows KAI’s successful export of 18 FA-50 units to Malaysia in 2023 and is expected to strengthen the company’s foothold in Southeast Asia. The FA-50 has been exported to six countries, including Indonesia and Thailand, with over 140 units sold, including 18 units to Malaysia in 2023.
The Philippine Air Force has been operating the FA-50PH since 2017, following an earlier deal signed in 2014. The aircraft played a key role during the Battle of Marawi and demonstrated excellent performance during the multinational “Pitch Black 2024” air warfare exercise in Australia.
The deal underscores the growing defense cooperation between South Korea and the Philippines, as both nations seek to enhance their military capabilities amid evolving regional security challenges. This latest agreement is part of South Korea’s broader goal to become one of the world’s largest arms exporters by 2027.
Korean defense firms have demonstrated their expanding involvement in Philippine maritime defense capabilities. HD Hyundai is scheduled to deliver the first of six offshore patrol vessels to the Philippine Navy in 2026. While the second of two Malvar-class guided-missile frigates, future BRP Diego Silang will be delivered in September.
The defense partnership extends beyond naval vessels to include advanced weaponry systems. Korea Aerospace Industries has been promoting its KM-SAM medium range surface-to-air missiles and Cheongung rocket artillery systems to the Philippine Marine Corps.
Interest in Korean defense technology is also growing in Europe, the Middle East and South America, according to KAI officials.
The FA-50 is a modified version of the T-50, a high-performance training aircraft co-developed by KAI and Lockheed Martin. The light combat aircraft serves dual purposes as both an advanced trainer and a capable fighter jet for air defense missions.
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