Latest news with #PhilippinesAirForce
South China Morning Post
7 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Philippines boosts air power with 12 South Korean FA-50 jets amid South China Sea tensions
Manila's deal to acquire 12 upgraded FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea could significantly strengthen the Philippines ' air defence and power projection in the contested South China Sea – but analysts say the light combat aircraft still fall short of the multirole fighters the country ultimately seeks. The US$700 million contract, signed on Tuesday with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), will see the delivery of the aircraft between 2026 and 2030, the state-run Philippine News Agency reported. It marks the second time the Philippines has turned to KAI, having bought 12 FA-50s in 2014. Eleven remain in service after one crashed in March during a mission in the southern Philippines, killing two pilots. The new FA-50 Block 70 jets will come equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, aerial refuelling capability and advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons systems, according to KAI. The Philippine Air Force (PAF) currently uses the FA-50 for both air patrol and strike missions. Analysts said the latest order would double the fleet, ease the burden on ageing aircraft and support the air force's modernisation road map. Known as the Flight Plan, the programme prioritises the acquisition of surface attack aircraft to strengthen territorial defence.
South China Morning Post
07-02-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Why 12 more South Korean FA-50 fighter jets for Manila may make China ‘insecure'
Published: 6:00am, 8 Feb 2025 The Philippines' potential purchase of more fighter jets from South Korea and the two countries' growing military collaboration could push Beijing to feel more 'insecure' as tensions roil the contested South China Sea , according to analysts. Manila is considering buying an additional 12 units of the South Korean supersonic combat aircraft FA-50 Fighting Eagle Block 20, the Inquirer, a Philippine news outlet reported in January, citing defence department procurement data. The Fighting Eagle is a variant of the FA-50 with an improved capability for beyond-visual-range air-to-air missions. The potential 40 billion Philippine peso (US$690 million) deal was expected to be finalised by the middle of the year and would double Manila's export-variant FA-50PH fleet, according to the report. The Philippines Air Force currently operates 12 units bought in the early 2010s. Manila is ramping up its modernisation efforts within its military, especially the air force, amid increasing tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea.
