📋 Tender Overview
BOOSTING AIR DEFENSE. A Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50PH prepares to take off in an undisclosed location in this undated photo. The Department of National Defense announced on Saturday (June 14 2025) the acquisition of 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft to boost the countrys air defense capabilities. (Photo courtesy of PAF)
MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) announced on Saturday the acquisition of 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI).
The DND and the South Korean manufacturer sealed a deal earlier this month formalizing the contract valued at more than USD700 million.
The comprehensive package includes mission equipment integrated logistics support and a training and logistics information system.
The Korea-made combat jet represents the latest evolution of the FA-50 platform featuring advanced avionics modern radar systems and extended operational range.
“Its acquisition marks a significant enhancement to the country’s air defense capabilities and aligns with the DND’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept” the DND said.
The department said this underscores the Philippine government’s “continued commitment to national defense” and further strengthens its bilateral defense cooperation with South Korea.
The delivery of the aircraft will be carried out in phases over the next five years with full completion targeted by 2030.
The DND earlier acquired 12 FA-50 aircraft from KAI for PHP18.9 billion under the AFP Modernization Program.
The Philippine Air Force said proposals to acquire additional FA-50s are under Rehorizon 3 of the modernization initiative. (With a report from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
