Philippines Signs $700 Million Deal for 12 More FA-50PH Jets from South Korea
In early June, the Philippine Department of National Defense signed a contract with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to buy 12 more FA-50PH light attack aircraft. The government-to-government deal worth about $700 million (975.3 billion South Korean won) was formalized on June 3, 2025. The contract covers not only the aircraft but also follow-on logistics support and long-term maintenance. Under the terms of the new agreement, all 12 aircraft will be delivered by mid-2030. The FA-50PH (Fighting Eagle) is a two-seat supersonic light combat aircraft. The latest batch will feature enhancements over earlier jets as each will have an in-flight refuelling probe and an advanced AESA radar to extend its range and improve situational awareness. They will also carry modern weapons suited for both ground and air targets, including GBU-38 JDAM precision bombs and AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles.
The Philippines first acquired FA-50PH aircraft in 2014, ordering 12 aircraft at a cost of roughly $420 million. Those jets were delivered by 2017, providing the PAF with its first modern supersonic fighters in years. The new order will roughly double the number of FA-50PH aircraft in service. The FA-50 was selected after older F-5A/B fighters were retired in 2005 and left the country without supersonic jets. The FA-50PH is a supersonic light combat aircraft developed collaboratively by KAI and Lockheed Martin. It is based on the T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer but is designed for multirole combat. Physically, the FA-50PH measures 13.14 meters in length with a wingspan of 9.45 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of around 12,300 kg. It is powered by a single General Electric F404-GE-102 turbofan engine, enabling it to achieve Mach 1.5 speeds. The jet has a range of over 1,800 km and a combat radius of about 500 km.
In March 2025, South Korea’s defense acquisition chief visited the Philippines to discuss further collaboration on the FA-50 program and other projects. Officials described the contract signing as the result of “continuous diplomatic co-operation” between the two governments. Manila has also been buying ships, aircraft, and other systems from South Korean defense firms in recent years, reflecting its role as one of Seoul’s largest defense customers.