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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DND: Procurement of 12 FA-50 fighter jets to be completed by 2030

DND: Procurement of 12 FA-50 fighter jets to be completed by 2030

Published Jun 14, 2025 08:23 am
FA-50PH fighter aircraft (File photo: Philippine Air Force)
FA-50PH fighter aircraft (File photo: Philippine Air Force)
The delivery of 12 new FA-50 fighter aircraft acquired by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will be completed by 2030, the Department of National Defense (DND) disclosed on Saturday, June 14.
DND spokesperson Asst. Sec. Arsenio Andolong confirmed the acquisition of 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) of the Republic of Korea as art of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Delivery of the aircraft will be carried out in phases over the next five years, with full completion targeted by 2030,” Andolong said in a press statement.
The DND said a notice to proceed was issued to the South Korean aircraft manufacturer earlier this month, formalizing the contract worth over USD700 million or around P39 billion.
It said the comprehensive package includes mission equipment, integrated logistics support, and a training and logistics information system.
According to the defense department, the FA-50 Block 70 represents the “latest evolution of the FA-50 platform, featuring advanced avionics, modern radar systems, and extended operational range.”
In its website, KAI said the new FA-50 Block 70 jets will be equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar, aerial refueling capability, and advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons systems.
“Its acquisition marks a significant enhancement to the country’s air defense capabilities and aligns with the DND’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept,” Andolong said.
“The acquisition underscores the Philippine government’s continued commitment to national defense and further strengthens bilateral defense cooperation with the Republic of Korea,” he added.
This marked the second time that the DND acquired FA-50 aircraft from KAI.
In March 2014, KAI concluded a deal with the Philippines to export 12 units of FA-50 for USD420 million or P18.9 billion. Upon delivery, the fighter jets immediately proved their worth as they were used to liberate Marawi City during the 2017 siege.
But at present, only 11 of the 12 units were operable as one of them (tail number 002) crashed in Bukidnon last March 4 during a tactical night operation in support of a Philippine Army offensive against communist rebels.
A Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson said that the acquisition of FA-50 fighter jets does not diminish the chances of acquiring other multi-role fighters (MRF), such as the US-made FA-16 from Lockheed Martin or the Swedish Saab’s JAS-39 Gripen among others, as these are different platforms that would enhance its fleet.

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Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jet DND Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd.
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