The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is poised to significantly enhance its combat capabilities with the planned acquisition of 12 additional FA-50 light combat aircraft from South Korea, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reports. This procurement, detailed in the country’s Department of National Defense’s Procurement Monitoring Report, is valued at approximately P40 billion. The deal, a government-to-government agreement between Manila and Seoul, is currently in the final stages of negotiation, with both sides ironing out the terms of reference.
Philippine Air Force (PAF), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The FA-50, manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), is already a familiar platform to the PAF. The existing fleet of 12 FA-50s, acquired during the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III for P18.9 billion, have been instrumental in various operations, including patrol missions across the archipelago. The type was notably dubbed a “game changer” during the 2017 Marawi siege, where the PAF employed the FA-50s in close air support.
This acquisition comes on the heels of a report by Hanwha Investment & Securities, which predicted new export contracts for KAI’s FA-50 in Southeast Asia this year. As reported earlier by Alert5.com, Hanwha maintained a ‘buy’ rating for KAI, citing expectations of robust export deals in the region and an overall improvement in KAI’s performance. The investment firm anticipates a 70% year-on-year increase in complete aircraft exports this year, driven in part by FA-50 contracts. This Philippine deal appears to be a concrete manifestation of that prediction.
The procurement is just one component of a broader modernisation effort by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The modernisation program includes upgrades to existing FA-50s, as well as cyber system upgrades. In addition, the PAF will receive upgrades to its ground-based air defense system, and is acquiring new missiles. The Philippine Navy is also set to receive systems upgrades for its upcoming Malvar-class corvettes, including missiles. A separate acquisition will provide the Philippine Army with an aeromedical Bell 412 EPX helicopter for emergency medical missions worth P1 billion. The PAF’s 15th Strike Wing will also be bolstered by six Embraer Super Tucano light attack aircraft under a P6.5 billion contract signed in December. South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) is also expected to deliver the first of two corvettes to the Philippine Navy in late March.
The backdrop to this rapid military modernisation is the ongoing tension in the South China Sea, where the Philippines has been facing increased pressure from China.
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