The Department of National Defense (DND) announced on Saturday that it has finalized a $700 million deal with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to acquire 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft.
The agreement, formalized earlier this month, includes mission equipment, integrated logistics support, and a training and logistics information system. The FA-50 Block 70, an advanced variant of the FA-50 platform, features modern radar systems, upgraded avionics, and extended operational range.
“This acquisition marks a significant enhancement to the country’s air defense capabilities and aligns with the DND’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept,” the department said in a statement.
The DND emphasized that the purchase underscores the Philippine government’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces while deepening defense ties with South Korea. Deliveries will be conducted in phases over the next five years, with full completion expected by 2030.
This latest order follows an earlier procurement of 12 FA-50s under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program. The Philippine Air Force has also proposed acquiring additional FA-50s under the program’s "Rehorizon 3" phase.
The FA-50, derived from the T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic trainer, was developed by KAI in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. Since its maiden flight in 2002, the aircraft has been adopted by multiple nations, including Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, and Poland.
The T-50 series was originally designed to train pilots for advanced fighters like the KF-16 and F-15K. The FA-50 variant, which serves as a light combat aircraft, has since become a key asset for air forces seeking cost-effective yet capable multirole fighters.
This acquisition reinforces the Philippines’ efforts to bolster its aerial defense amid evolving regional security challenges.