Both the Philippines and Thailand have announced plans to bolster their respective air forces through the acquisition of new fighter jets, reflecting a broader regional trend towards modernising air defence capabilities. On 4 June, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) confirmed it...
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Both the Philippines and Thailand have announced plans to bolster their respective air forces through the acquisition of new fighter jets, reflecting a broader regional trend towards modernising air defence capabilities.
On 4 June, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) confirmed it had signed a contract with the Philippine Department of National Defense for the delivery of twelve additional FA-50PH Fighting Eagle Block 20 light combat aircraft. The contract, valued at approximately USD 700 million, also includes logistics and training support services.
Deliveries of the new aircraft are scheduled for completion by 2030. The acquisition will raise the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) FA-50PH fleet to 23 aircraft, replacing one lost in a previous crash. The initial order of twelve FA-50PHs was placed in 2014, with deliveries between 2015 and 2017, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of the country’s air defence capabilities.
The FA-50PH fleet has since been operationally active, including its first combat missions in 2017 during operations against Islamic State-linked militants in Mindanao. The aircraft have subsequently been used in multiple ground-attack missions across the southern Philippines.
The newly ordered FA-50PH Block 20 aircraft will feature notable upgrades, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an aerial refuelling probe compatible with flexible hose systems, and a wider range of air-to-ground and air-to-air munitions. While the specific radar type has not yet been confirmed, industry observers point to the RTX PhantomStrike and LIG Nex1 ESR-500A as likely candidates.
KAI has highlighted the enhanced detection and strike capabilities that these new aircraft will provide, emphasising improved operational range and flexibility. According to South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the contract is the result of continued diplomatic cooperation between the two countries. The Philippine government is also exploring options for a more advanced multirole fighter to further strengthen its air defence posture, with the Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 70/72 and Saab JAS-39E/F Gripen among the leading contenders.
In a parallel development, Thailand’s Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has announced plans to acquire four Saab JAS-39E/F Gripen multirole fighters. The announcement, made recently by RTAF Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, forms part of a broader plan to eventually purchase 12 Gripen aircraft.
The first tranche will comprise three single-seat JAS-39Es and one twin-seat JAS-39F. These aircraft will be equipped with advanced systems, including the Raven ES-05 AESA radar, Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) sensors, and modern datalinks.
Thailand’s Gripen acquisition aims to replace some of the older Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs in service, complementing the 11 JAS-39C/Ds already operated by the RTAF. The new aircraft will also benefit from the planned acquisition of the Meteor long-range air-to-air missile, enhancing Thailand’s air combat capabilities.
Additionally, Thailand plans to upgrade its Saab 340 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft to incorporate command and control capabilities, a move that has been under discussion within the RTAF for some time. The acquisition is structured as a government-to-government deal and will include offset arrangements.
Although the contract with Saab has not yet been signed, the company and Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) are expected to proceed with the next steps in the procurement process. Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson welcomed the RTAF’s selection, describing the Gripen E/F as the best solution for Thailand’s independent airpower needs.
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