Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has signed an agreement worth 93 billion won (about 64 million US dollars) with the Philippines’ Department of Defense for the modernization of FA-50-the fighter fleet of the Philippine Air Force.
Under the contract, 11 FA-50PH aircraft will be upgraded by 2029, with a focus on increasing the ability to use precision-guided munitions, as well as improvements in range and endurance. The package also includes strengthening network-based interoperability, which increases the ability to conduct joint military operations more effectively.
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Between 2015 and 2017, the Philippine Air Force received 12 FA-50PH fighters; one of them was later lost in a training accident, reducing the operational fleet.
The FA-50PH is a light attack aircraft that shares the same platform as the advanced trainer type T-50, and can perform combat missions when equipped with the appropriate weapons — a feature that gives the model high operational flexibility.
In June, Manila took another step in expanding its air capabilities by ordering an additional 12 FA-50PH units in a deal estimated at $700 million, strengthening its partnership with the South Korean aerospace industry and the ongoing modernization of the country’s fighter capabilities.
Source and images: Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). This content has been created with the help of KI and reviewed by the editors.
