Philippines boosts air power with 12 South Korean FA-50 jets amid South China Sea tensions

The light combat aircraft is ‘as good a deal as Manila can get’ as an alternative to the US F-16 multirole fighters, analysts say

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Two Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jets fly during a joint patrol and training session with the US over the South China Sea on February 4, 2025. Photo: Philippine Air Force/AP

Published: 12:00pm, 5 Jun 2025Updated: 12:36pm, 5 Jun 2025

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.

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Philippines boosts air power with 12 South Korean FA-50 jets amid South China Sea tensions

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The light combat aircraft is ‘as good a deal as Manila can get’ as an alternative to the US F-16 multirole fighters, analysts say

The light combat aircraft is ‘as good a deal as Manila can get’ as an alternative to the US F-16 multirole fighters, analysts say