Manila’s deal to acquire 12 upgraded FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea could significantly strengthen the Philippines’ air defence and power projection in the contested South China Sea – but analysts say the light combat aircraft still fall short of the multirole fighters the country ultimately seeks.
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The US$700 million contract, signed on Tuesday with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), will see the delivery of the aircraft between 2026 and 2030, the state-run Philippine News Agency reported.
It marks the second time the Philippines has turned to KAI, having bought 12 FA-50s in 2014. Eleven remain in service after one crashed in March during a mission in the southern Philippines, killing two pilots.
The new FA-50 Block 70 jets will come equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, aerial refuelling capability and advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons systems, according to KAI.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) currently uses the FA-50 for both air patrol and strike missions. Analysts said the latest order would double the fleet, ease the burden on ageing aircraft and support the air force’s modernisation road map.
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Known as the Flight Plan, the programme prioritises the acquisition of surface attack aircraft to strengthen territorial defence.