Photo: KAI / ROKAF
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is set to receive its first batch of four FA-50M light combat aircraft in October 2026, with production progressing ahead of schedule. The remaining jets will be assembled in Malaysia and delivered in phases,...
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The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is set to receive its first batch of four FA-50M light combat aircraft in October 2026, with production progressing ahead of schedule. The remaining jets will be assembled in Malaysia and delivered in phases, with the final delivery expected by 2028.
Industry sources indicate that the production of the FA-50M by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has surpassed 50 percent completion, exceeding the original contract timeline. This progress is partly attributed to efforts to accelerate the delivery of all 18 FA-50M jets. During his visit to South Korea in November last year, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called for an earlier timeline.
Malaysia's Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth RM4 billion (approximately $920 million) with KAI at LIMA 2023 to acquire 18 FA-50M (FA-50 Block 20) light fighter jets, to replace the Hawk 108/208 aircraft that have been in service since 1995. The FA-50M is considered the most advanced version of the aircraft, featuring capabilities that exceed those of variants operated by South Korea and several Southeast Asian nations. Only Poland’s FA-50PL is reported to have similar specifications.
A key feature distinguishing Malaysia’s model from other FA-50 variants is its integration of the PhantomStrike Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which will also be installed in Poland’s FA-50PL. The radar, developed by RTX (Raytheon Technologies), incorporates Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, digital beamforming, and an advanced digital processor, enhancing situational awareness and targeting capabilities.
Additional features of the FA-50M include precision-guided missile and bomb capabilities, as well as the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) developed by Lockheed Martin. The Sniper ATP will enhance target acquisition, surveillance, and reconnaissance, supporting close air support (CAS) missions.
Pilot training for the aircraft is expected to commence in early 2026, involving six RMAF pilots undergoing a three to six-month programme. Training will be conducted at a Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) base in Gwangju, using T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer jets before transitioning to the FA-50M.
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