The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is set to acquire 12 more FA-50PH fighter jets from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), doubling its fleet of the Korean-made supersonic aircraft. The deal, announced on June 3, 2025, is worth approximately $700 million and includes delivery of the new jets by 2030, along with follow-up support and logistics.
The additional order brings the total number of FA-50PH aircraft acquired by the Philippines to 24, reinforcing its tactical aviation capabilities amid growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
The upgraded FA-50PHs will feature enhanced range through aerial refueling, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and expanded air-to-air and air-to-ground weapon capabilities. These enhancements mark a leap in capability over the earlier batch of aircraft, as delivered between 2015 and 2017.
A trusted platform with a proven track record
Based on the T-50 Golden Eagle trainer, the FA-50 is a lightweight, multirole fighter capable of reaching Mach 1.5. It is equipped with a 20mm cannon and can carry guided bombs, missiles, reconnaissance pods, and electronic warfare systems. The platform balances affordability with versatility, making it a popular choice among emerging air forces.
The FA-50PH has served as the backbone of the PAF’s combat aviation since its introduction, operated by the 7th Tactical Fighter ‘Bulldogs’ Squadron at Cesar Basa Air Base near Manila.
Its combat debut came in 2017 during the Battle of Marawi, when it was credited with precision strike missions against insurgent positions. More recently, the aircraft participated in the multinational Pitch Black 2024 air exercise in Australia.
However, the fleet suffered a loss on March 5, 2025, when one FA-50PH crashed in the Kalatungan mountain range in Bukidnon province during a routine flight.
A strategic response to growing regional tensions
This procurement comes at a time of rising friction between Manila and Beijing over contested maritime claims in the West Philippine Sea—part of the broader South China Sea dispute. The Philippine government has been accelerating its military modernization, particularly in air and maritime domains, to strengthen its territorial defense posture.
The new fighters will expand the PAF’s operational readiness, offering enhanced reach, situational awareness, and firepower in the face of evolving security threats.
The Philippines’ renewed confidence in the FA-50 follows a successful export campaign in Southeast Asia. In 2023, KAI secured a deal to deliver 18 FA-50s to Malaysia. The aircraft’s growing footprint in the region is being seen as a potential springboard to wider international sales.
“The FA-50 is a proven model in the Asian market,” said KAI President Kang Gu-young. “It is very encouraging that the Philippines’ stable operational experience over the past 10 years has led to this additional export. We will continue to expand KAI’s position in the global defense market through customer-tailored performance improvements and follow-up support.”
KAI believes that this contract may act as a trigger for other interested customers in Europe, the Middle East, and South America. The company’s first performance-based logistics (PBL) agreement for export aircraft—signed with the Philippines in December 2024—has also established a foundation for long-term reliability and cost-effective maintenance.
Beyond the FA-50, KAI is expanding its portfolio of defense platforms. It continues to market the Surion utility helicopter, the LAH light attack helicopter, and the KF-21 Boramae next-generation fighter, which is being co-developed with Indonesia. The recent life-extension program for Indonesia’s KT-1B trainers further highlights KAI’s efforts to strengthen its role in the global defense industry.
