Philippines orders 12 more FA-50PH light attack aircraft from South Korea to boost combat readiness
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As reported by Chosun Biz on June 4, 2025, the Philippines has concluded an agreement with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the purchase of 12 additional FA-50PH Fighting Eagle light attack aircraft, raising the total number of FA-50s in Philippine Air Force (PAF) service to 24. The contract, signed on June 3, 2025, with the Philippine Department of National Defense, is valued at approximately $700 million, or 975.3 billion Korean won, and includes not only the aircraft but also follow-on logistics support and long-term maintenance assistance. All deliveries are scheduled to be completed by 2030.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The origin of the FA-50PH program can be traced to a critical capability gap in the Philippine Air Force (PAF) that emerged after the retirement of its F-5A/B fighters, which had served as the backbone of the PAF since 1995. (Picture source: French Air Force)
The procurement of the FA-50PH by the Philippines emerged from a critical capability gap in the Philippine Air Force (PAF) following the 2005 retirement of its F-5A/B fighters, which had formed the backbone of the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) supersonic capability since their transfer from the South Korean Air Force in 1995. With no supersonic fighters remaining after their retirement, the PAF was left with limited jet capability, relying on a small fleet of S-211 trainers and OV-10 light attack aircraft. By 2011, facing rising tensions with China in the South China Sea and a lack of air deterrent capability, Manila started exploring the purchase of Mirage or Kfir fighter jets, later discarded due to high operational costs. Instead, the government shifted focus to light combat aircraft such as the FA-50 and eventually signed a contract for 12 FA-50PHs in March 2014 with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), valued at USD 420 million, with delivery prioritized due to operational urgency. The selection was further influenced by the platform’s lower acquisition and maintenance costs compared to fourth-generation multirole fighters, and its adaptability to both training and tactical missions.
Following initial deliveries in late 2015, the FA-50PH fleet was based at Subic Bay and Clark Air Base, marking the reintroduction of supersonic combat capability into the PAF after a decade-long absence. The aircraft were soon deployed in a range of operations, including internal security missions in Mindanao, where they conducted their first combat airstrikes in December 2016 against Islamist insurgents. During the 2017 Battle of Marawi, FA-50PHs conducted day and night bombing missions using unguided munitions, providing close air support in urban combat. Beyond combat use, the FA-50PH has been used in air patrol and air policing missions, including a reported deployment in March 2021 to monitor a large Chinese fishing flotilla anchored in disputed waters of the South China Sea. The aircraft were also used in multilateral exercises such as Cope Thunder and Pitch Black, where they engaged in mock air combat with F-22s and Gripens, respectively. To date, the FA-50PH fleet remains central to the PAF’s current tactical capability, and additional aircraft are being procured to reduce airframe fatigue and expand deployment flexibility.
The newly ordered FA-50PHs will be delivered in the Block 20 configuration to establish a second operational fighter squadron as part of the Re-Horizon 3 modernization program. Enhancements include aerial refueling capability through a telescopic probe system developed by Cobham Mission Systems, which extends operational range. The aircraft will also integrate Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and support a range of advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, including compatibility with the Taurus KEPD 350K-2 cruise missile, which has a strike range between 500 and 800 kilometers. These features expand the FA-50PH’s role in strike, interception, and patrol missions. KAI confirmed that this upgraded version will improve the aircraft’s overall detection, engagement, and endurance capabilities. These developments are aligned with the Philippine Air Force’s Flight Plan 2028, which prioritizes long-range strike, territorial defense, and enhanced mission readiness.
The FA-50 is a light attack aircraft based on the T-50 Golden Eagle, South Korea’s first supersonic trainer developed jointly by KAI and Lockheed Martin in the late 1990s. The FA-50 entered operational service in 2005 and has since evolved into multiple configurations, including the Block 20 variant. The aircraft features a tandem-seat cockpit, digital fly-by-wire controls, and a General Electric F404-GE-102 turbofan engine with afterburner, offering a top speed of Mach 1.5 and an operational ceiling of 14.8 kilometers. Its maximum takeoff weight is 12,000 kilograms. It carries AIM-9 short-range air-to-air missiles, AGM-65 air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided bombs such as JDAM. Its avionics include radar warning receivers, network-centric data links, and compatibility with electronic countermeasure systems. Structurally, the FA-50 uses an S-shaped intake for radar signature reduction, a blended wing-body design, and lightweight composite materials for improved performance and reduced maintenance burden.
The FA-50’s aerodynamic profile allows a sustained turn rate of 14.5 degrees per second at 15,000 feet, a value comparable to the F-16 Fighting Falcon. While it is outperformed by the M-346 in subsonic maneuverability below Mach 0.5, the FA-50 delivers stronger performance between Mach 0.5 and Mach 1.2. Compared to other advanced trainers like the M-346 and the retired British Hawk, the FA-50 provides supersonic capability and multi-role utility, allowing it to conduct both training and combat missions. The aircraft’s radar cross-section in scaled testing has shown levels comparable to those of the F-16, reflecting its compact, low-observable design. Notably, during the 2023 Exercise Cope Thunder, the FA-50PH achieved a simulated kill against a U.S. F-22 Raptor in a dogfighting scenario, although this was acknowledged as a limited-scope engagement.
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As reported by Chosun Biz on June 4, 2025, the Philippines has concluded an agreement with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the purchase of 12 additional FA-50PH Fighting Eagle light attack aircraft, raising the total number of FA-50s in Philippine Air Force (PAF) service to 24. The contract, signed on June 3, 2025, with the Philippine Department of National Defense, is valued at approximately $700 million, or 975.3 billion Korean won, and includes not only the aircraft but also follow-on logistics support and long-term maintenance assistance. All deliveries are scheduled to be completed by 2030.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The origin of the FA-50PH program can be traced to a critical capability gap in the Philippine Air Force (PAF) that emerged after the retirement of its F-5A/B fighters, which had served as the backbone of the PAF since 1995. (Picture source: French Air Force)
The procurement of the FA-50PH by the Philippines emerged from a critical capability gap in the Philippine Air Force (PAF) following the 2005 retirement of its F-5A/B fighters, which had formed the backbone of the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) supersonic capability since their transfer from the South Korean Air Force in 1995. With no supersonic fighters remaining after their retirement, the PAF was left with limited jet capability, relying on a small fleet of S-211 trainers and OV-10 light attack aircraft. By 2011, facing rising tensions with China in the South China Sea and a lack of air deterrent capability, Manila started exploring the purchase of Mirage or Kfir fighter jets, later discarded due to high operational costs. Instead, the government shifted focus to light combat aircraft such as the FA-50 and eventually signed a contract for 12 FA-50PHs in March 2014 with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), valued at USD 420 million, with delivery prioritized due to operational urgency. The selection was further influenced by the platform’s lower acquisition and maintenance costs compared to fourth-generation multirole fighters, and its adaptability to both training and tactical missions.
Following initial deliveries in late 2015, the FA-50PH fleet was based at Subic Bay and Clark Air Base, marking the reintroduction of supersonic combat capability into the PAF after a decade-long absence. The aircraft were soon deployed in a range of operations, including internal security missions in Mindanao, where they conducted their first combat airstrikes in December 2016 against Islamist insurgents. During the 2017 Battle of Marawi, FA-50PHs conducted day and night bombing missions using unguided munitions, providing close air support in urban combat. Beyond combat use, the FA-50PH has been used in air patrol and air policing missions, including a reported deployment in March 2021 to monitor a large Chinese fishing flotilla anchored in disputed waters of the South China Sea. The aircraft were also used in multilateral exercises such as Cope Thunder and Pitch Black, where they engaged in mock air combat with F-22s and Gripens, respectively. To date, the FA-50PH fleet remains central to the PAF’s current tactical capability, and additional aircraft are being procured to reduce airframe fatigue and expand deployment flexibility.
The newly ordered FA-50PHs will be delivered in the Block 20 configuration to establish a second operational fighter squadron as part of the Re-Horizon 3 modernization program. Enhancements include aerial refueling capability through a telescopic probe system developed by Cobham Mission Systems, which extends operational range. The aircraft will also integrate Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and support a range of advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, including compatibility with the Taurus KEPD 350K-2 cruise missile, which has a strike range between 500 and 800 kilometers. These features expand the FA-50PH’s role in strike, interception, and patrol missions. KAI confirmed that this upgraded version will improve the aircraft’s overall detection, engagement, and endurance capabilities. These developments are aligned with the Philippine Air Force’s Flight Plan 2028, which prioritizes long-range strike, territorial defense, and enhanced mission readiness.
The FA-50 is a light attack aircraft based on the T-50 Golden Eagle, South Korea’s first supersonic trainer developed jointly by KAI and Lockheed Martin in the late 1990s. The FA-50 entered operational service in 2005 and has since evolved into multiple configurations, including the Block 20 variant. The aircraft features a tandem-seat cockpit, digital fly-by-wire controls, and a General Electric F404-GE-102 turbofan engine with afterburner, offering a top speed of Mach 1.5 and an operational ceiling of 14.8 kilometers. Its maximum takeoff weight is 12,000 kilograms. It carries AIM-9 short-range air-to-air missiles, AGM-65 air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided bombs such as JDAM. Its avionics include radar warning receivers, network-centric data links, and compatibility with electronic countermeasure systems. Structurally, the FA-50 uses an S-shaped intake for radar signature reduction, a blended wing-body design, and lightweight composite materials for improved performance and reduced maintenance burden.
The FA-50’s aerodynamic profile allows a sustained turn rate of 14.5 degrees per second at 15,000 feet, a value comparable to the F-16 Fighting Falcon. While it is outperformed by the M-346 in subsonic maneuverability below Mach 0.5, the FA-50 delivers stronger performance between Mach 0.5 and Mach 1.2. Compared to other advanced trainers like the M-346 and the retired British Hawk, the FA-50 provides supersonic capability and multi-role utility, allowing it to conduct both training and combat missions. The aircraft’s radar cross-section in scaled testing has shown levels comparable to those of the F-16, reflecting its compact, low-observable design. Notably, during the 2023 Exercise Cope Thunder, the FA-50PH achieved a simulated kill against a U.S. F-22 Raptor in a dogfighting scenario, although this was acknowledged as a limited-scope engagement.
