South Korea: South Korean defense firm Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) has signed a deal with the Philippine defense ministry to export 12 FA-50 light attack fighters, the state arms procurement agency said Wednesday. The agreement signifies a continuation of military cooperation between the two nations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the US$700 million deal was finalized on Tuesday, marking the second round of FA-50 exports to Manila. This follows an initial supply of 12 jets in 2014, highlighting the ongoing partnership between the countries. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) confirmed the details of the transaction.
Discussions leading to the FA-50 deal involved high-level meetings between DAPA Minister Seok Jong-gun and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro. These talks, held in Manila in March, focused on arms industry cooperation, reflecting the deepening defense ties between South Korea and the Philippines.
Over the years, the Philippines has incorporated various South Korean-made weapons systems, including FA-50 light attack aircraft, frigates, and corvettes. This makes the Philippines Seoul's largest arms trade partner in Southeast Asia, underscoring the strategic defense relationship.
The FA-50 has been exported to six countries so far, with Indonesia, Iraq, Malaysia, Poland, and Thailand among the recipients. This highlights the aircraft's growing presence in global defense markets.