Seoul: 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 by 2030, the state arms procurement agency said Wednesday. The agreement, worth US$700 million and signed on Tuesday, represents the second round of FA-50 exports to Manila, following an initial deal in 2014 to supply 12 jets.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) highlighted ongoing discussions between South Korea and Manila regarding the FA-50 deal. DAPA Minister Seok Jong-gun and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro previously discussed arms industry cooperation during their meeting in Manila in March.
The Philippines has integrated various South Korean-made weapons systems over the past decade, including FA-50 light attack aircraft, frigates, and corvettes valued at approximately $3 billion. As a result, the Philippines has become Seoul's largest arms trade partner in Southeast Asia.
DAPA stated that the new deal to supply additional FA-50 aircraft is expected to enhance bilateral military exchanges and contribute to stabilizing security in Southeast Asia. The FA-50 has been exported to six countries, including Indonesia, Iraq, Malaysia, Poland, and Thailand. Before the deal with the Philippines, South Korea last secured a contract to supply 18 jets to Malaysia in 2023.