(Manila, 14th) The Philippine Department of National Defense announced on Saturday that it has officially procured 12 FA-50 Block 70 light fighter jets from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), with a total value of over $700 million.
The military procurement agreement was signed earlier this month and the contract not only includes the aircraft themselves but also mission equipment, a comprehensive logistical support system, as well as training and logistical information systems.
The FA-50 Block 70 is the latest version of the FA-50 series, equipped with advanced avionics systems, modern radar equipment, and a longer operational range, considered an important enhancement to the strength of the Philippine Air Force.
"This procurement marks a significant enhancement of our air defense capabilities and is highly aligned with the Department of National Defense's 'Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Strategy,'" stated the Philippine Department of National Defense in a statement.
The Department of National Defense indicated that this move highlights the Philippine government's ongoing commitment to national defense and further deepens defense cooperation with South Korea.
According to the agreement, the fighter jets will be delivered in phases over the next five years, with complete delivery expected by 2030.
It is worth mentioning that the Philippine Air Force had previously purchased 12 FA-50 fighter jets for 18.9 billion pesos (approximately $320 million), as part of the Armed Forces Modernization Program.
Currently, the Air Force is also promoting a proposal to further procure FA-50 fighter jets during the "Rehorizon 3" phase to continuously expand air defense operational capabilities.
A Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50PH is prepared for takeoff at an undisclosed location.
The military procurement agreement was signed earlier this month and the contract not only includes the aircraft themselves but also mission equipment, a comprehensive logistical support system, as well as training and logistical information systems.
The FA-50 Block 70 is the latest version of the FA-50 series, equipped with advanced avionics systems, modern radar equipment, and a longer operational range, considered an important enhancement to the strength of the Philippine Air Force.
"This procurement marks a significant enhancement of our air defense capabilities and is highly aligned with the Department of National Defense's 'Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Strategy,'" stated the Philippine Department of National Defense in a statement.
The Department of National Defense indicated that this move highlights the Philippine government's ongoing commitment to national defense and further deepens defense cooperation with South Korea.
According to the agreement, the fighter jets will be delivered in phases over the next five years, with complete delivery expected by 2030.
It is worth mentioning that the Philippine Air Force had previously purchased 12 FA-50 fighter jets for 18.9 billion pesos (approximately $320 million), as part of the Armed Forces Modernization Program.
Currently, the Air Force is also promoting a proposal to further procure FA-50 fighter jets during the "Rehorizon 3" phase to continuously expand air defense operational capabilities.
A Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50PH is prepared for takeoff at an undisclosed location.