The Philippines is close to finalizing the purchase of 12 Korean KAI FA-50 fighters
The Philippine Air Force will add 12 new KAI FA-50 fighters as part of its military modernization
The Philippines seeks to acquire 12 additional Korean KAI FA-50 light fighters for approximately $685 million. According to the Filipino newspaper Daily Inquirer, Manila and Seoul are finalizing the terms of reference for the government-to-government agreement, as derived from the Acquisition Monitoring Report of the Department of National Defense.
Currently, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) operates a squadron of 12 FA-50PH light combat aircraft, acquired in 2014 during the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III as part of the military modernization program. The first FA-50 arrived in the country in 2015, and deliveries were completed in 2017.
In addition to performing patrol missions across the country, the FA-50PH fighters played a crucial role during the Marawi siege, a five-month battle in 2017 between government troops and militants linked to the Islamic State. The operational successes of the FA-50s over the years have led the PAF to pursue the acquisition of an additional squadron of these fighters, known for their high cost-effectiveness.
As part of the new contract with the South Korean government, the current fleet of 12 FA-50s will be upgraded to an updated standard, although specific details regarding the planned improvements have not yet been disclosed.
Simultaneously, Manila is taking other steps to enhance the modernization of its military air capabilities. Among these measures is the acquisition of a Bell 412 EPX helicopter for aeromedical evacuation, valued at approximately $17 million, and the purchase of six Embraer Super Tucano light attack aircraft for the PAF’s 15th Strike Wing, worth $111 million.
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