Lima '25: Airod, KAI sign NDA on FA-50M collaboration
LANGKAWI: Airod Sdn Bhd and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to explore potential collaboration on the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) FA-50M light combat aircraft.
The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25), paves the way for both parties to evaluate business opportunities involving the FA-50M, its engines and installed components.
Airod, in a statement, said the NDA will enable the exchange of proprietary information to identify areas of mutual interest, particularly in supporting the RMAF's newly acquired fleet.
Both companies acknowledged the strategic importance of the FA-50M programme and expressed commitment to combining Airod's extensive local expertise in MRO with KAI's capabilities as the original equipment manufacturer of the aircraft.
National Aerospace and Defence Industries (NADI) group president Datuk Edron Hayata said the agreement marked a key milestone in Airod's efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the RMAF's FA-50M fleet.
"We are pleased to formalise our discussions with KAI through this NDA. The RMAF's acquisition of the FA-50M is a significant development, and Airod is eager to explore how our local expertise can contribute to the long-term support and sustainability of this advanced platform for Malaysia's defence."
Meanwhile, KAI executive vice president Park Gyung Eun said the NDA reflected the company's strong relationship with Malaysia and the RMAF.
"This NDA with Airod is a crucial first step in identifying potential synergies and collaboration opportunities that will ensure the efficient and effective support of the FA-50M fleet in Malaysia. We look forward to a productive dialogue with Airod," he said.
At Lima '23, the Defence Ministry signed a contract for the acquisition of 18 FA-50M, valued at roughly RM4 billion.
The FA-50Ms will replace the ageing BAE Systems Hawk 108/208 aircraft, which have been in service with the RMAF since 1995.
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