An FA-50 jet is seen alongside other U.S. aircraft at Clark, Pampanga, in 2023. (Photo by Jeoffrey Maitem)
Manila has signed a deal with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to purchase a dozen fighter jets, aiming to bolster its air defense amid China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, a move analysts say could improve the country's capacity...
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Manila has signed a deal with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to purchase a dozen fighter jets, aiming to bolster its air defense amid China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, a move analysts say could improve the country's capacity to project power.
One observer, however, noted that the 12 upgraded FA-50 Block 70 light fighters currently in the pipeline will primarily serve an air defence role, rather than function as the true multi-role fighters (MRFs) envisioned by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) for ground attack and air interdiction missions.
The state-run Philippine News Agency reported that the Department of Defense and the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have formally closed a deal worth US $700 million on June 3, with all the aircraft delivery schedule set between 2026 to 2030.
According to KAI, the new aircraft version features capabilities such as aerial refueling for extended range, an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, and advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons systems.
With the additional jets, Manila will double its squadron, enhancing its detection and strike capabilities. Currently, the PAF operates only 11 FA-50 jets procured in 2014. One of the aircraft crashed in March during a tactical mission in the southern Philippines, resulting in the deaths of two pilots.
In a news release, the PAF said the acquisition highlights the country's commitment to boosting its air defence. "The FA-50PH has proven its versatility and reliability in various operations, and this expansion underscores the Philippines' commitment to modernizing its defense forces and strengthening regional security," said the PAF's 5th Fighter Wing.
Vincent Kyle Parada, a former defence analyst for the Philippine Navy, said the PAF is the most neglected out of all the major services of the Arned Forces of the Philippines when it comes to its modernization. According to him, the PAF lacks the offensive capabilities of many of its regional counterparts, especially when it comes to fighter aircraft.
"The current FA-50s have usually been deployed in air patrol missions and to conduct airstrikes in support of counterinsurgency operations. Following the loss of one FA-50 during a nighttime mission last March, it is likely that they will focus mainly on territorial defence and reconnaissance missions moving forward,"Parada said. "Having fighter aircraft in general also enhances the PAF's interoperability with its allies and partners. It allows them to keep pace with the tempo of joint exercises and missions," he added.
In March, Washington announced it had approved the sale of F-16 multirole fighters to Manila but Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez admitted recently that the government was still looking for funds to buy the US jets.
Parada said the upgraded FA-50 is a fourth-generation fighter often seen as a budget alternative serving more of an air defence role rather than being a true "multi-role fighter."
"The lower cost means a shorter range, lighter payload, and generally less capable systems. But at a fraction of the cost for the F-16 contract, it's as good a deal as Manila can get," he said. "It really boils down to cost. Aerial warfare is platform-centric; and for a developing country like the Philippines, the price of aerial platforms -- especially US-made ones -- is simply too much to afford," he added.
The FA-50, however, is a platform the PAF is already familiar with, and South Korea is a preferred partner—significantly reducing both acquisition and maintenance costs, according to Parada.
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