Philippines signs $700 million contract with KAI for 12 new FA-50PH Block 20 fighter jets

The new aircraft are scheduled for delivery by 2030 and will raise the total number of FA-50PH fighters operated by the Philippine Air Force to 23, replacing one lost in a previous incident. The decision to procure additional units follows positive operational experience with the initial fleet of twelve aircraft.

The newly ordered FA-50PH jets will be equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an aerial refuelling probe compatible with flexible hose systems, and a broader range of air-to-ground and air-to-air munitions. The specific radar type has not been confirmed, though options may include the RTX PhantomStrike or LIG Nex1 ESR-500A.

These will be the latest Block 20 configuration aircraft to be exported, with Poland and Malaysia having also placed orders for this upgraded version. The Block 20 variant offers enhanced capabilities over previous models, making it more suitable for modern combat roles.

The Philippines originally ordered twelve FA-50 Fighting Eagles in 2014, receiving deliveries between 2015 and 2017. This procurement marked a significant step in restoring the country’s air defence capabilities using jet-powered combat aircraft.

In 2017, the FA-50PHs saw combat for the first time in operations against Islamic fundamentalist groups on the island of Mindanao. Since then, the aircraft have been used in multiple ground-attack missions.

The FA-50 Fighting Eagle is expected to remain a key component of the Philippine Air Force’s jet combat fleet. The government has yet to decide on a separate procurement for multirole fighters, with the Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 70/72 and the Saab JAS-39E/F Gripen among the leading contenders.