Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has secured a follow-on order from Manila for 12 additional FA-50PH light combat aircraft.
The $700 million contract from the government of the Philippines will see the jets supplied by 2030, according to KAI.
The package reportedly includes logistical support for the aircraft.
Manila operates 11 FA-50s, following the crash of one example earlier this year.
KAI confirms that new jets will include an air-to-air refueling capability, something lacking in Manila’s existing FA-50 fleet. The new jets will eschew the existing mechanically scanned radar in favour of an active electronically scanned array. KAI has previously said the jets will have Raytheon’s PhantomStrike system.
The aircraft will also be able to use “advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground” weapons.
At the Farnborough air show in July 2024, KAI told FlightGlobal that the Philippines had strong potential to add more FA-50s. As for the existing fleet, it was to get larger external fuel tanks and upgraded datalinks.
Separately, media reports from the Philippines indicate that Manila is grappling with how to fund the possible purchase of 20 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 70/72 fighters.
Following a visit to Manila by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency issued a $5.6 billion Foreign Military Sales case covering the aircraft, weapons, spares, and other support.
For over a decade Manila has been considering new combat aircraft. The Saab Gripen was considered the main rival to the F-16 for the requirement, but KAI has also shared information with Manila about its developmental KF-21.
Updated following KAI’s confirmation of the order
