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PH buys 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft from South Korea

Article (news)

Ched Rick Gatchalian

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1749863576963Screenshot 2025-06-14 091030.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>FA-50 light combat aircraft. Screenshot from Youtube account of Korea Aerospace Industries </div>MANILA — The Department of Defense on Saturday announced it has purchased 12 units of FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) of the Republic of Korea, under a contract formalized at over $700 million.DND said the acquisition is part of the modernization program of Armed Forces of the Philippines for the Philippine Air Force.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/4/philippines-signs-deal-for-12-fighter-jets-s-korea-manufacturer-1524">Philippines signs deal for 12 fighter jets: S. Korea manufacturer</a></div>This came amid continuous defense negotiations with other nations.The Philippines&#x27; first purchase of 12 FA-50s was delivered between 2015 and 2017. DND said a Notice to Proceed was issued earlier this month. The comprehensive package entails mission equipment, integrated logistics support, and a training and logistics information system. &quot;The FA-50 Block 70 represents the latest evolution of the FA-50 platform, featuring advanced avionics, modern radar systems, and extended operational range. Its acquisition marks a significant enhancement to the country’s air defense capabilities and aligns with the DND’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept,&quot; the department said.The DND said the aircraft will be delivered in phases over the next five years, with full completion eyed by 2030.These jets can do aerial refueling and will be installed with AESA radars.&quot;The acquisition underscores the Philippine government’s continued commitment to national defense and further strengthens bilateral defense cooperation with the Republic of Korea,&quot; DND said.Currently, PAF is operating FA-50 and A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft. DND has yet to finalize the multi-role fighter jet it will purchase, which could be the most expensive acquisition under the last phase of the Horizon project.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/5/grounding-of-fa-50-fleet-to-affect-militarys-internal-external-defense-ops-paf-admits-0006">Grounding of FA-50 fleet to affect military’s internal, external defense ops, PAF admits</a></div>

The Department of Defense on Saturday announced it has purchased 12 units of FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) of the Republic of Korea, under a contract formalized at over $700 million.

The Department of Defense on Saturday announced it has purchased 12 units of FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) of the Republic of Korea, under a contract formalized at over $700 million.