The Department of National Defense (DND) of the Philippines has confirmed plans to acquire 12 additional FA-50 Block 20 Fighting Eagle light attack aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), continuing its military modernisation programme. The purchase, valued at USD 680 million, is part of the Philippines’ Re-Horizon 3 initiative, which aims to enhance the capabilities of the Philippine Air Force (PAF). This acquisition will help form a second squadron of FA-50 aircraft, with the government-to-government contract expected to be finalised by mid-2025.
The FA-50, developed from the T-50 Golden Eagle trainer jet, is a versatile light combat aircraft, featuring a tandem seat configuration. It is powered by the General Electric F404-GE-102 turbofan engine, enabling a maximum flight speed of Mach 1.5 and an operational ceiling of 14,800 meters.
The FA-50 Block 20 variant includes several advanced upgrades, notably the integration of the Taurus KEPD 350K-2 cruise missile, which boasts a range of up to 800 km. The aircraft also offers aerial refuelling capabilities through a telescopic probe system developed by Cobham Mission Systems, significantly extending its operational reach. Additionally, the FA-50 Block 20 is equipped with the EL/M-2032 radar and has the capacity to carry a range of armaments, including AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided munitions such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM).
The Philippine Air Force’s ongoing efforts to enhance its fleet include a separate upgrade initiative for its existing FA-50PH aircraft, which is also part of the Re-Horizon 3 programme. Worth approximately USD 95.4 million, this project comprises four stages of procurement and will be facilitated through the United States Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system. These upgrades align with the PAF’s Flight Plan 2028, a strategic document focused on modernising the Philippines’ aerial capabilities.
Future upgrades to the FA-50 variants will focus on improving combat effectiveness, including the integration of an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system, the incorporation of beyond-visual-range missiles, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities.
In addition to its operations with the Philippines, the FA-50 variants will soon join the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). Meanwhile, the T-50 Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LIFT) variants are currently operational with the Indonesian and Royal Thai Air Forces, further demonstrating the aircraft’s growing presence in Southeast Asia.
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