Korea Aerospace signs deal to upgrade Philippines' FA-50PH fighter jets

FA-50PH fighter aircraft / Courtesy of Korea Aerospace Industries

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), a Korean aircraft manufacturer, said Friday it has signed a deal with the Philippine defense ministry to upgrade the performance of its FA-50 fighter jets operated by the Philippine Air Force.

The company said it will carry out a 93 billion-won ($64 million) performance upgrade program for 11 FA-50PH light attack aircraft through 2029.

A total of 12 FA-50PH aircraft were delivered to the Philippine Air Force between 2015 and 2017 but one aircraft was lost in a training accident.

Under the program, the FA-50PH fleet will gain enhanced precision-guided munitions capability, extended operational range and improved endurance for sustained missions. The upgrades will also strengthen network-based interoperability, enabling more effective joint military operations, the company said.

"We will continue to expand KAI's presence in the global defense market through customized performance upgrades and systematic follow-on support programs," a company official said.

The FA-50PH light attack aircraft shares its platform with the T-50 advanced trainer, which can turn into an attack aircraft when equipped with weapons.

In June, KAI signed a $700 million deal with the Philippine government to export 12 additional FA-50PH aircraft by 2030.