The Philippine government may close a new deal to purchase FA-50 Fighting Eagle light fighters from South Korea, which would double its current fleet of the aircraft produced by KAI.
A Procurement Monitoring Report was published by Manila in early January, according to local website Inquire, which reported the information.
The report, prepared by the Philippine Department of Defense, includes a proposal to acquire 12 FA-50 Fighting Eagle light fighters, produced by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).
It also foresees a budget of 40 billion Philippine pesos or US$683.7 million for the purchase of the aircraft.
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The Philippines has operated 12 FA-50s since the end of the previous decade, thus strengthening its defenses against various threats.
The acquisition, made a few years ago, cost the country 18.9 billion pesos or US$323 million, but it was a significant expense for the Philippines.
Baptism of fire in the country
In 2017, Manila used these aircraft in the conflict with militants associated with the Islamic State in Marawi City, in the Mindanao region.
The new purchase, expected to be completed in 2025, will expand the capabilities of the Philippine Air Force and support the country’s new efforts in its own defense.
Measuring 13 meters long and with a wingspan of 9 meters, the KAI FA-50 is a two-seater supersonic fighter jet developed from the advanced training version and competitor of the Italian M-346 from Leonardo.
Powered by a GE turbofan with afterburner, the FA-50 reaches speeds of Mach 1.5, is also capable of deploying guided missiles and bombs, in addition to carrying a 20 mm cannon.
The Philippines also closed the purchase of six Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for 6.5 billion pesos or US$111.1 million, as well as Bell 412 EPX helicopters for the Army, worth 1 billion pesos or US$17.1 million.
