Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), a South Korean aircraft manufacturer, announced yesterday that it has signed an agreement with the Philippine Department of National Defense to enhance the performance of the Philippine Air Force’s FA-50 fighter jets.
The company said it will carry out a 93 billion-won (US$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 US$700 million deal with the Philippine government to export 12 additional FA-50PH aircraft by 2030.
