Seoul: Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), a South Korean aircraft manufacturer, announced it has signed a significant deal with the Philippine defense ministry to enhance the performance of FA-50 fighter jets used by the Philippine Air Force. The agreement entails a 93 billion-won (US$64 million) upgrade program for 11 FA-50PH light attack aircraft, which is set to be completed by 2029.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Philippine Air Force received a total of 12 FA-50PH aircraft between 2015 and 2017. However, one of these aircraft was lost in a training accident, leaving 11 aircraft to undergo the planned upgrades. These upgrades will equip the FA-50PH fleet with enhanced precision-guided munitions capability, an extended operational range, and improved endurance for sustained missions. The improvements will also boost network-based interoperability, thereby enabling more effective joint military operations.

A representative from KAI stated that the company aims to expand its presence in the global defense market through tailored performance upgrades and systematic follow-on support programs. The FA-50PH light attack aircraft is built on the same platform as the T-50 advanced trainer, which has the capability to be transformed into an attack aircraft when equipped with weapons.

In addition to this upgrade initiative, KAI also signed a US$700 million contract in June with the Philippine government to export 12 additional FA-50PH aircraft by 2030.