IRIA News

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The Philippine Department of National Defense has finalized a second deal with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the purchase of 12 new FA-50 light combat aircraft in a package valued at $700 million.

The new fleet of FA-50s, scheduled for delivery around 2030, will be equipped with several critical upgrades, most notably the capability for aerial refueling and the inclusion of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems.

The AESA systems provide technological enhancements that significantly boost the operational range and combat effectiveness of the aircraft. The deal also includes an undisclosed quantity of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.

This purchase is part of the Philippines’ broader effort to modernize its military under the Horizons program, a multi-phase initiative launched in 2013 to transform the country’s outdated defense posture.

The program emphasizes acquiring modern naval vessels, air defense systems, and combat aircraft to protect the archipelago’s sovereignty amid rising regional tensions, particularly in the South China Sea.

FA-50 fighter jet

The FA-50 is a light combat aircraft developed by Korea Aerospace Industries in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. Based on the T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer, the FA-50 bridges the gap between trainer aircraft and full-fledged multirole fighters.

The aircraft’s versatility, cost-efficiency, and ease of maintenance have made it an appealing option for countries looking to rapidly boost air defense capabilities without the financial burden of acquiring high-end Western jets like the F-16 or Rafale.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) previously purchased 12 FA-50s in 2014, with deliveries completed by 2017. Since then, the aircraft has been employed in a range of missions including air interdiction, close air support, and maritime patrol. It currently operates alongside the A-29 Super Tucano turboprop light attack aircraft in the PAF’s inventory.

Despite its generally positive operational history, one of the FA-50s crashed in March 2025 during a counterinsurgency operation in Mindanao, a region in the country’s south that has seen persistent clashes with armed separatist and terrorist groups. The crash prompted an immediate grounding of the fleet. However, an internal investigation concluded that no mechanical issues were involved, leading to a swift return to service.

Strategic and regional implications

The Philippines’ renewed order underscores the growing defense partnership between Manila and Seoul. In recent years, the Philippines has acquired a range of military equipment from South Korea, including frigates, corvettes, and air defense systems.

South Korean defense firms have steadily become preferred suppliers, in part due to favorable pricing, compatibility with existing systems, and shared security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.

KAI sees this contract as a gateway to greater international interest in the FA-50 platform. “We expect the orders to open more interest in the aircraft among governments in Europe, the Middle East, and South America,” the company said in its statement.

The upgraded configuration in this latest batch of FA-50s could serve as a compelling sales pitch to other countries evaluating light fighters as a fast-track option to modernize their air forces amid constrained budgets and increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

Multi-role fighter plans

While the FA-50s add substantial capability to the Philippine Air Force, they are not true multirole fighters. Defense analysts note that their payload, radar range, and survivability features remain below those of 4.5-generation aircraft such as the F-16V, Saab Gripen, or Dassault Rafale. As such, the Philippine defense department is still considering a separate acquisition for a more advanced multirole fighter platform.

This prospective purchase is likely to become the most expensive component of the third and final phase of the Horizons modernization program. Discussions have included potential offers from the U.S., Sweden, and France, although no formal contract has been signed.

The acquisition of 12 additional FA-50s is viewed as a pragmatic step forward, a means to enhance capability while buying time for longer-term decisions regarding a higher-end fighter platform. The upgraded features, such as aerial refueling and AESA radar, give the PAF a significantly more capable light fighter that can serve in both peacetime patrol and combat roles.

The deal also signals continued defense collaboration between two key U.S. allies in Asia, with both countries navigating increasingly complex regional dynamics involving China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, North Korea’s military provocations, and the evolving security architecture in the Indo-Pacific.

With deliveries expected by the end of the decade, the Philippine Air Force will soon operate an expanded and upgraded FA-50 fleet, standing as a symbol of its renewed focus on airpower and regional security readiness.