Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed a contract with the Philippine Department of National Defense for the export of 12 additional FA-50PH light combat aircraft, bringing the total number of FA-50 units exported to the Philippines to 24. The contract, which includes both aircraft and follow-on logistics support, is valued at approximately USD 700 million (KRW 975.3 billion). KAI is expected to deliver all 12 aircraft by 2030.
The newly ordered FA-50PH units will feature enhanced operational capabilities, including aerial refueling for extended range, AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, and advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons systems. These upgrades are expected to significantly bolster the Philippine Air Force’s modernization and air defense capabilities.
The new contract was based on the Philippine Air Force’s positive operational experience with the FA-50PH, and was made possible through close collaboration 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.
In 2014, KAI signed its first contract with the Philippines to supply 12 FA-50PH units, all of which were delivered by 2017. The FA-50PH has since become the core combat aircraft of the Philippine Air Force. KAI’s reliable follow-on support has played a critical role in building operational trust, leading to this latest follow-up order.
The FA-50PH demonstrated its combat effectiveness during the 2017 Battle of Marawi on Mindanao Island, earning a reputation as a “game changer” on the battlefield. In August 2024, the aircraft was deployed to Exercise Pitch Black at RAAF Base Darwin — the first-ever overseas deployment of Philippine Air Force aircraft — where it received praise for its maneuverability. Notably, KAI’s on-site maintenance support enabled the aircraft to maintain a 100% operational rate throughout the training exercise, underscoring its reliability on the global stage.
This latest deal follows KAI’s export of 18 FA-50s to Malaysia in 2023 and is expected to further strengthen airpower across Southeast Asia, generating increased interest and demand in the region for the FA-50 platform. Moreover, the contract is likely to accelerate FA-50 adoption by potential customers in Europe, the Middle East, and South America, serving as a key driver for global market expansion.
In December 2024, KAI signed its first-ever Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) agreement for export aircraft with the Philippines. The PBL deal will provide long-term maintenance and spare parts support, improving operational readiness and reducing lifecycle costs.
KAI continues to expand its global footprint through trusted partnerships and a diversified product portfolio. In Indonesia, KAI has exported both KT-1 basic trainers and T-50 advanced jet trainers, and currently collaborates on the joint development of the KF-21 fighter. In March 2025, KAI signed a service life extension program for Indonesia’s KT-1B aircraft — the first-ever performance upgrade project for a Korean export platform.
The FA-50 is KAI’s flagship export model, with its proven operational record in countries such as the Philippines helping to elevate the stature of Korea’s defense industry. KAI plans to further diversify its export portfolio with platforms such as the KUH-1 Surion utility helicopter, the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), and the next-generation KF-21 fighter.
KAI President Kang Goo-young stated, “The FA-50 has proven itself in the Asian market, and the additional export to the Philippines — backed by over 10 years of operational trust — is a highly encouraging development. We will continue to strengthen our position in the global defence market through customer-tailored performance upgrades and reliable follow-on support.”
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