Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) singed a contract to export 12 more FA-50 light attack aircraft fighters with the Philippine defense department on June 3.
The addition brings to 24 the number of FA-50s KAI has so far agreed to export to the Philippines.
The value of the contract stands at about $700 million, including aircraft and follow-up military logistics support. The additional 12 aircraft will be delivered by 2030.
The additional 12 FA-50PH will be upgraded with be equipped with navigation distance through aerial refueling and improved detection and striking capabilities AESA, air-to-land, and air-to-air weapons.
The additional aircraft are expected to greatly ramp up the modernization of the Philippine air force and its aerospace defense capabilities.
The latest deal was based on the reliability of FA-50PH produced based on the Philippine air force’s operational experiences.
The feat was owed to the achievements made by “Team Korea,” comprising of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Air Force, Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement (KRIT), the Foreign Ministry and KAI.
In 2014, KAI signed a deal to export 12 FA-50PHs to the Philippines and delivered them by 2017.
The 12 FA-50PHs emerged as the Philippine air force’s mainstay aircraft power, and the latest deal was made possible on the back of KAI’s stable follow-up support and securing of reliability through operation.
The 12 FA-50PH jets served as a game changer in the “Siege of Marawi” that took place on Mindanao Island, the Philippines, in 2017.
In August 2024, the Philippine air force participated in the joint aerial training drill “Pitch Black 2024” at Darwin Base, Australia and demonstrated the superb capabilities of the 12 FA-50PH for the first time since its establishment, drawing the attention from air forces of other countries.
In particular, KAI proved maintenance reliability on the global stage by maintaining a 100 percent operation rate through its maintenance support during the training period.
The latest export of the FA-50PH followed KAI’s exporting of 18 FA-50s to Malaysia in 2023.
It is expected to serve as a new opportunity for neighboring countries in Southeast Asia to ramp up their air forces through FA-50s.
The market’s interest in and demand for the FA-50s is predicted to be maintained for the time being.
The latest feat is expected to serve as potential would-be customers in Europe, the Middle East and South America express interest in the same aircraft to advance the introduction of the FA-50, thus leading to the expanding of its presence to the global market.
KAI President Kang Goo-young said, “It is very encouraging that the FA-50, a proven aircraft in the Asian market, has led to additional exports thanks to its 10-year stable operational experience, and going further, KAI will expand its presence in the global defense market through performance improvement tailored to meet customers’ needs and following support.”
KAI Agrees to Expand Strategic Partnership with Lockheed Martin
Korean Aerospace Industries inked an MOU with Lockheed Martin to expand their strategic partnership.
Both companies struck the deal on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show 2025 in Le Bourget, France, on June 17.
They stressed the significance of adapting to shifts in the global defense and aerospace industries and reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable collaboration.
Following the deal, KAI intends to intensify joint marketing with Lockheed Martin to enter the US market through the US Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System program.
It also aims to explore new areas such as rotary-wing aircraft, crewed-uncrewed teaming systems, UAVs, AI-based autonomous technologies, space, training systems, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul.
Meanwhile, KAI participated in the Paris Air Show 2025, which took place from June 16 to June 22 and showcased next-generation aerial combat systems and future aerospace solutions.
During the air show, KAI displayed not only their homemade multi-purpose FA-50 and next-generation fighter KF-21, but also helicopter line-ups and small-sized synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, including unmanned combat aerial vehicle, a core part of the manned-unmanned teaming system, adaptable aerial platform (AAP), light armed helicopter and Korean utility helicopter.
KAI Participates in Indo Defense 2024
Korean Aerospace Industries participated in “Indo Defense 2024,” which took place in Jakarta from June 11 to June 14, and accelerated efforts to expand its presence in the Southeast Asian market.
According to KAI, Indo Defense is an aerospace and maritime fair, being held biennially since 2004, attracting about 1,000 companies, including KAI.
Indo Defense 2024, originally scheduled for November 2024, was delayed to June 2025 due to the inauguration of the new government.
During the fair, KAI showcased fixed wing and rotary-wing mainstay aircraft, such as KF-21, FA-50, KUH and LAH.
KAI’s pavilion set up “Korea-Indonesia Joint Production Item Display Zone” in which T-50i, introduced by Indonesia and IF-X, emerging as Indonesia’s next-generation core part to raise aerospace combat capabilities, was highlighted.
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