Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Zen Hernandez

ABS-CBN News

South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa is confident the Philippines acquisition of Korean-made fighter jets will help boost the capabilities of the Philippine Air Force.“It&#x27;s a well known fact, the FA-50s in the previous time, it was even considered a game changer for you know, during the Marawi siege. So we are proud of the Korean made jet fighters making significant contributions to the defense of the Philippine Armed Forces. So this additional purchase of the FA50s, we believe it will make a significant improvement also for the Air Force of the Philippines,” he said.Last June 3, the Philippines Department of Defense (DND) and the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed a contract for the procurement of an additional 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircrafts, worth an estimated USD700 million or 1 trillion won. The Philippines’ acquisition of additional fighter jets is a significant step in enhancing the country&#x27;s air defense capabilities and military modernization program. The jets are expected to be delivered in tranches within the next 5 years or up to 2030.“The first batch will be delivered, we hope, before the end of the term of Marcos administration….Out of 12, you know, the first batch of the, one, two, three, it depends on the schedule of delivery,” Ambassador Lee said.Lee added that there are ongoing talks for the Philippines’ aquisition of other Korean-made military assets, but stopped short at giving further details. But clearly, the ties between the Philippines and South Korea is taking on a fresh momentum, according to Lee.“Yes. Other things are in the talk, but too early to disclose details,” he said.“Our defense cooperation continues to grow. A Korean-built frigate, the BRP Miguel Malvar, was commissioned in May. And with the 12 additional FA-50 fighter aircraft contracted in June, this active defense cooperation will help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Lee said in a speech addressed to the media.Last year, the Philippines and South Korea elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership, amid growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Aside from boosting defense cooperation, the two nations also inked a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that took effect last December 31, 2024.“Korea recently topped the list of foreign investors based on PEZA-approved projects. We expect even more good news in the months ahead as businesses act on the new opportunities unlocked by the FTA and the Philippines’ CREATE MORE Act,” Lee further said in his speech.Lee also congratulated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s official visit to the United States.“Let me also congratulate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on his recent visit to the United States - the first by an ASEAN leader since President Trump’s second term in office began - and wish him success and fruitful outcomes, including progress on tariff-related concerns. Korea, too, is making a final push in its own negotiations with Washington on similar issues,” the ambassador said.Lee says South Korea is also looking forward to welcome Marcos Jr. to the APEC Summit that will be held in Gyeongju, Korea from 31 October to 1 November this year. The event comes a few months before the Philippines also assumes chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). According to Lee, both events offer a timely platform to deepen coordination among friends who are committed to a free, open and prosperous region.“Korea knows what solidarity means. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. We will never forget that the Philippines was the first Asian nation to send combat troops in 1950 - ultimately more than 7,000 strong,” he said.“Because our bond was forged in the crucible of war, it is natural that Korea stands as a reliable partner of the Philippines, particularly when we face deepening global instability, one that is fraught with fragmentation and uncertainty. As fellow maritime nations, we share an abiding interest in peace and stability, as well as upholding a rules-based order in the South China Sea and beyond,” Lee added.<div> </div><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QyTxrcHz9m0??si=2f1AWxCEoiotXfZh&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div>

South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa is confident the Philippines acquisition of Korean-made fighter jets will help boost the capabilities of the Philippine Air Force.

South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa is confident the Philippines acquisition of Korean-made fighter jets will help boost the capabilities of the Philippine Air Force.

PH eyeing more South Korea-made military equipment, envoy says

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PH eyeing more South Korea-made military equipment, envoy says

Zen Hernandez,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 22, 2025 06:29 PM PHT

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