Korea Aerospace to Upgrade Filipino FA-50PH Fighter Aircraft

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has signed a deal worth 93 billion won ($64 million) with the Philippine defense ministry to upgrade the Air Force’s FA-50 fighter jets.

Under the deal, the company will modernize 11 FA-50PHs through 2029, improving its precision-guided munitions capability, range and endurance. The upgrades will also strengthen network-based interoperability, enabling more effective joint military operations.

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

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, Manila ordered 12 more FA-50PHs for $700 million.