MANILA – As part of its Armed Forces modernization program, the Philippines has finalized a $700-million deal to acquire 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft from South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI)
According to the Department of National Defense (DND), the contract was greenlit with a Notice to Proceed issued earlier this month. The acquisition package includes mission-ready equipment, a logistics support system, and training modules for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
The FA-50 Block 70 is the latest upgrade of the FA-50 series, offering enhanced avionics, a modern radar suite, and longer-range capabilities. The new fleet is expected to significantly boost the Philippines’ air defense posture under the DND’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.
Deliveries will be staggered over five years, with full deployment expected by 2030.
The agreement also reinforces strategic defense ties between the Philippines and South Korea, the DND noted.