Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced on Tuesday that it has signed a contract with the Philippine Department of National Defense to export 12 additional FA-50 fighter jets, bringing the total number exported to the Philippines to 24.
The contract is valued at approximately $700 million, including aircraft and follow-on logistical support, with all 12 aircraft scheduled for delivery by 2030.
The additional FA-50PH units will feature significant upgrades, including aerial refueling capability for extended range, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and both air-to-ground and air-to-air armaments, significantly enhancing their detection and strike capabilities. With the upgraded FA-50PH fleet, the Philippine Air Force is expected to advance its modernization efforts further and strengthen its air defense capabilities.
The new deal is based on the Philippine Air Force’s operational experience and confidence in the FA-50PH. It represents the result of a united effort among the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the Republic of Korea Air Force, the Agency for Defense Development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Korean Embassy in the Philippines, and KAI—all working together as one team.
KAI previously signed its initial export contract with the Philippines in 2014, with delivery of 12 FA-50PH units scheduled for 2017. The FA-50PH has since become the backbone of the Philippine Air Force’s tactical airpower. KAI’s reliable follow-up support has helped secure long-term trust, leading to this second procurement.
The FA-50PH played a critical role in the Battle of Marawi on Mindanao Island in 2017, proving itself as a game changer on the battlefield. In August 2024, the aircraft participated for the first time in the multinational Pitch Black 2024 air exercise held at Darwin Base in Australia, showcasing excellent maneuverability and attracting the attention of other air forces. During the exercise, KAI provided maintenance support, enabling the FA-50PH to achieve a 100% operational availability rate, demonstrating its high maintainability on the global stage.
This latest export to the Philippines follows the 2023 contract with Malaysia for 18 units, and is expected to inspire neighboring Southeast Asian nations to strengthen their air forces with the FA-50. Interest and demand in the region are expected to remain strong for the foreseeable future.
Furthermore, the contract is expected to influence potential customers in Europe, the Middle East, and South America, accelerating their adoption of the FA-50 and serving as a major driver of KAI’s global market expansion.
In December 2024, KAI also signed its first Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) contract for export aircraft with the Philippines, establishing a long-term support framework that includes maintenance and parts supply. This system will help improve aircraft availability and reduce operating costs.
KAI continues to expand its defense export portfolio based on the trust established with existing customer nations.
In Indonesia, KAI has already delivered KT-1 basic trainers and T-50 advanced trainers, and is currently co-developing the KF-21 fighter jet with the country. In March, the Indonesian Air Force also signed a life-extension contract for its KT-1B aircraft, marking the first performance upgrade contract for a KAI export aircraft.
The FA-50 has become KAI’s flagship export model, with its proven reliability and operational performance in countries such as the Philippines helping to elevate the global status of Korean defense exports. KAI plans to diversify its export platforms, including the KUH Surion utility helicopter, the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), and the next-generation KF-21 fighter, to continue expanding its presence in the global defense market.
KAI CEO Kang Goo Young stated that the FA-50 is a proven model in the Asian market, and the Philippine Air Force’s decade-long successful operational experience, which has led to this follow-up export contract, is highly encouraging. He added that KAI will continue to expand its global presence by offering customized upgrades and reliable support tailored to each customer.
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