Ambassador of Egypt to South Korea, Khaled Abdelrahman, confirmed that the talks are “almost concluded,” and noted that the agreement would strengthen cooperation between the two nations. The first phase of the deal is reportedly valued at USD 1 billion.
Initial deliveries will comprise 36 aircraft, with the remaining 70 to be assembled in Egypt, likely at the Helwan facility. This arrangement is intended to boost the domestic aerospace sector and support Egypt’s broader defence industry ambitions.
The FA-50 is a versatile aircraft designed for both combat and training roles. It is manufactured by KAI with technical support from Lockheed Martin and shares 70% of its components with the F-16 fighter jet.
Egypt plans to use the FA-50 to replace ageing European Alpha Jets and Chinese K-8E aircraft. The purchase is also expected to enhance strategic defence ties across Africa and the Middle East.
Military relations between Cairo and Seoul have grown stronger in recent years. In 2017, Egypt received a decommissioned Pohang-class corvette from South Korea, followed in 2023 by a USD 1.66 billion contract for 216 K9 self-propelled howitzers, 51 K11 fire command vehicles, and K10 ammunition resupply vehicles.
