Philippines buys 12 FA-50 light combat aircraft from S. Korea; purchase part of ambitious defence modernisation programme
MANILA (Xinhua): The Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) Saturday confirmed the acquisition of 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) of South Korea as part of the modernization program of the country's Armed Forces.
The contract, worth over US$700 million, was formalised earlier this month with the issuance of a notice to proceed.
According to the DND, the acquisition includes mission equipment, integrated logistics support, and a training and logistics information system.
The FA-50 Block 70 represents the latest evolution of the FA-50 platform, featuring advanced avionics, modern radar systems, and extended operational range.
The DND said the delivery of the aircraft will be carried out in phases over the next five years, with full completion expected by 2030. - XInhua
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