Latest news with #FA-50
GMA Network
27-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
AFP says it's ready to implement code of conduct in South China Sea
An FA-50 of the Philippine Air Force flies over the BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35) as its officers stand dueing the flag-raising in the waters of Talampas ng Pilipinas, or Philippine Rise, on Monday, May 19, 2025. Northern Luzon Command photo The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday assured that it is ready to carry out any agreements reached in the proposed Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. In a press briefing held at Camp Aguinaldo, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, responded to questions regarding the AFP's role in enforcing the code, which is currently under high level discussions in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN). "Whatever comes out of the Code of Conduct, the AFP is prepared to implement," said Trinidad, underscoring the military's readiness to adapt to the outcomes of regional diplomatic negotiations. The COC aims to establish formal rules among claimant states in the South China Sea, including the Philippines and China, in order to avoid conflict and manage tensions in the disputed maritime territory. During the same briefing, Trinidad addressed a number of additional topics, including the future deployment of a Royal Navy aircraft carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific. When asked if it was the first time a Royal Navy aircraft carrier was sailing inside Philippine waters, the admiral replied, "The previous activity of the UK Navy was in 2021 when they sent their other aircraft carrier into the Indo-Pacific region." He also noted the AFP has submitted its position and demands for compensation related to equipment damaged in recent maritime confrontations. 'But again the Armed Forces of the Philippines has submitted its position and its demand for such payment on the cost of this equipment brought about by this incident during the (Rotation and Resupply or RORE missions),' he said, adding that further details should be deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs. —RF, GMA Integrated News
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Korea Herald
21-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
[From the Scene] S. Korean defense firms make mark in Southeast Asia at LIMA 2025
Missile-maker LIG Nex1 and aircraft producer KAI draw attention from Southeast Asian countries with affordable, adaptable solutions By Hwang Joo-young and Joint Press Corps LANGKAWI, Malaysia — Southeast Asia's largest defense exhibition opened Tuesday on the island of Langkawi, with South Korea emerging as a dominant presence amid growing regional demand for cost-effective, adaptable, and combat-proven weapons systems. The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, or LIMA 2025, kicked off its five-day run with some 510 exhibitors from 25 countries. Among them, South Korean defense firms Korea Aerospace Industries and LIG Nex1 drew particular attention for their growing regional presence and offerings that closely align with local defense needs. On the opening day, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited the KAI booth, where CEO Kang Goo-young briefed him on the FA-50M's active electronically scanned array radar, aerial refueling capabilities and delivery timeline. 'You'll be able to see the FA-50M flying over Langkawi at the next LIMA,' Kang told the prime minister. In 2023, Malaysia signed a contract to procure 18 FA-50M jets, marking the country's first-ever purchase of Korean-made fighter aircraft. The jets are scheduled for delivery in 2026. KAI, in particular, is rapidly expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia — a trend that is also drawing interest from global defense partners. European missile manufacturer MBDA mounted its Brimstone air-to-ground missile on a mock-up of the FA-50, signaling its intent to align with Korea's growing platforms. 'Markets like Indonesia and Malaysia, where KAI is already active, are strategically attractive entry points for us,' said Savio Babu, MBDA's airborne technical executive. Babu also cited Indonesia's role in the KF-21 program and Malaysia's potential follow-up FA-50 order as key reasons MBDA is promoting compatibility with KAI aircraft — aiming to appeal to both current and prospective users. LIG Nex1, meanwhile, attracted attention with its naval surface-to-air missile system K-SAAM, branded as Haegung in Korea. The company, which recently opened a regional office in Kuala Lumpur, is actively pursuing opportunities across Southeast Asia, where maritime security needs are on the rise. Designed to defend warships from incoming threats, Haegung is currently under review by the Malaysian Navy. 'Haegung is gaining traction because of our strengths in delivery timelines, technology transfer, and long-term maintenance support,' an LIG Nex1 official said. High-ranking officers from the Vietnamese Navy also visited the booth and inquired about integrating Haegung into smaller vessels. A formal presentation on the company's full shipborne combat system was requested, the official added. 'There's a view in the industry that once a country starts showing serious interest in a system, its neighbors tend to take notice — and often follow,' the LIG Nex1 official said. 'In such cases, if a South Korean defense firm gains a foothold in one country, that success could serve as a bridgehead into the broader Southeast Asian market.' Meanwhile, major US players such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing were notably absent from this year's exhibition, which some observers interpret as a reflection of shifting dynamics in the region's defense procurement priorities. Another industry official at the event, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the absence of these traditional defense giants underscores how tightening budgets and growing operational demands are pushing many buyers in the region to seek affordable, field-tested solutions with flexible support structures — rather than high-end, legacy systems. 'You can see countries like Iran, China and Russia also marketing aggressively here,' the source added. 'Southeast Asian countries are less concerned with geopolitical blocs and more focused on securing the right capabilities on the right terms.' flylikekite@
India.com
20-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
THIS 'friend' of India to buy J-10C fighter jet from China, to become first country in world to...
THIS 'friend' of India to buy J-10C fighter jet from China, to become first country in world to... Egypt seems to be setting a new example in global military strategy. The country already flies advanced fighter jets from multiple nations including the American F-16, Russian MiG-29, and French Rafale. Now, it's likely to soon add China's J-10C fighter jet to its air force. If this happens, Egypt will become the only country in the world to operate modern fighter aircraft from four different nations. In September 2024, the J-10C was showcased at an international air show held in Egypt. Then, in April 2025, during a joint air exercise called Eagles of Civilisation, footage emerged showing an Egyptian pilot inside a J-10C cockpit. These signs suggest Egypt is seriously considering the Chinese-made 4.5-generation fighter jet. While China's defense ministry dismissed reports in February 2025 about Egypt buying the J-10C, calling them 'fake,' many experts believe the recent developments point toward a possible deal in the near future. South Korea's FA-50 or China's J-10C While Egypt has shown interest in South Korea's FA-50 light combat aircraft, the chances of it opting for the Chinese J-10C currently appear stronger. The FA-50 is more budget-friendly and comes with stealth features, making it an attractive choice for developing nations. However, the J-10C boasts superior air-to-air combat abilities, an advanced AESA radar, and has already proven itself in service with Pakistan — making it a more compelling option for Egypt. How could the J-10C shift Egypt's air power? If Egypt goes ahead with the J-10C purchase, it will become the second country after Pakistan to operate this advanced Chinese fighter jet. The J-10C represents the cutting edge of China's modern military tech, with key features like the PL-15 long-range missile system, digital avionics, and precision strike capabilities. Acquiring these jets could significantly boost Egypt's strategic air power and give it more flexibility in regional security. World's most diverse fighter fleet? Currently, Egypt's air force already operates more than 200 American F-16s, over 30 Russian MiG-29s, and around 24 French Rafales. If J-10Cs from China are added to the mix, Egypt will have one of the most diverse fighter jet fleets in the world. Defense analysts suggest that such a mix of aircraft from different geopolitical sources strengthens Egypt's diplomatic flexibility. It also helps the country avoid over-reliance on any single nation for defense support, preserving its strategic independence.
India.com
16-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
After Rafale, MiG-29, F-16, this is world's only country to get Chinese J-10C fighter jets, the name is..., India is its...
Egypt could become only the second foreign country after Pakistan to fly the Chinese J-10C fighter jet. (File) Egypt may soon become the only country in the world to fly a French Rafale, an American F-16, a Russian MiG-29, and a now a Chinese J-10C fighter jet, as the country eyes to purchase a fleet of the 4.5 generation Chinese warplanes. Currently no country in the world operates fighter jets from four different countries. Egypt to acquire J-10C fighter jets According to reports, Egypt, which already operates retired Chinese bombers, is mulling to acquire China's 4.5 generation J-10C fighter jets in an effort to modernize its air force fleet. The speculation was fueled after the Chinese J-10C Vigorous Dragon was on display at the Egyptian International Air Show in September 2024. In February this year, Egyptian media had claimed that Cairo and Beijing had inked a deal for the purchase of J-10C fighter jet, but these claims were later dismissed as 'fake news' by Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian. Later, in April 2025, footage of an Egyptian pilot flying a J-10C during the Eagles of Civilization 2025 joint air exercise, added fuel to the speculations that Egypt was planning to buy the J-10C fighter jet. Egypt also eyeing Korean FA-50 Meanwhile, Egypt is also reportedly considering South Korea's FA-50 fighter jet. According to media report, Egyptian official held talks with South Korean counterparts in this regard last month. The FA-50 is South Korea's indigenously-built fighter jet, which the country claims is equipped with stealth technology, but is priced much lower than any fifth generation warplane. If true, this make the FA-50 an enticing option for budget-conscious nations like Egypt. Egypt to become first country with Rafales and J-10Cs? But if Egypt chooses to acquire the Chinese J-10C instead of the South Korean FA-50, it will become the only country to operate fighter jets from four different countries. The Egyptian Air Force currently comprises American, Russian and French fighter jets. It would also become the first nation too fly both a French Rafale and Chinese J-10C fighter jets, and only the second country after Pakistan to acquire the 4.5th generation Chinese fighter, which was reportedly used by the Pakistan Air Force during the recent India-Pakistan crisis. At present, Egypt has a fleet over 200 F-16s, making it the fourth-largest operator of the F-16 Fighting Falcons.
Japan Times
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Japan Times
Chinese navy patrols South China Sea, saying Philippines creating 'disturbances'
China's navy conducted a patrol in the South China Sea on Tuesday, saying that the Philippines has been creating "disturbances," as the Filipino and U.S. air forces conducted their own joint mission above the disputed waterway. China, which claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, has been involved in an increasingly tense stand-off with the Philippines in the waters there, as both seek to assert their sovereignty claims. More than 14,000 Filipino and U.S. soldiers are participating in joint exercises, which run from April 21 through May 9 for a "full battle test" in the face of shared regional security concerns. China has said the drills are provocative. In a statement late on Tuesday, the Southern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army said its forces had that same day carried out "routine" patrols in the South China Sea, without giving an exact location. "Recently, the Philippines has been frequently carrying out maritime infringement provocations, creating disturbances and pulling in countries from outside the region to organize so-called 'joint patrols,'" it said in a statement. The command's naval and air forces have monitored the situation and maintained vigilance, it added. "Troops in the theatre of operations are maintaining a high level of alert, resolutely defending the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and resolutely safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea region." The Philippine military, in its own statement late on Tuesday, said the Philippines and U.S. air forces had conducted a joint patrol over the South China Sea that day as part of ongoing defense cooperation. The maritime patrol involved three FA-50 fighter jets from the Philippine Air Force, along with two U.S. B-1B bombers, two F-16s and an F-18. Responding in a separate statement to the Chinese military's comments, the Philippines military said the armed forces stand firm in exercising their sovereign rights and partnerships with allies like the United States that reflect shared values. "The conduct of joint exercises and maritime domain awareness operations within our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone is not a provocation — it is preparedness," it said. "To be clear: The Philippines is a sovereign state. No foreign power can dictate how we defend our home or with whom we stand in solidarity."
