Malaysia finalizes order for 18 FA-50 Block 20 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft

 

The KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle LCA. Photo c/o ROKAF.

The Malaysian Ministry of Defence has signed a final contract for the acquisition of 18 FA-50 Block 20 light combat aircraft for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) from South Korean aviation company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).

The contract worth US$920 million was signed at the backdrop of the recently concluded Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA 2023) in Langkawi, Malaysia on 23 May 2023.

The defense ministers of both Malaysia and South Korea, together with KAI’s president were present during the contract signing, which is Malaysia’s biggest defense contract signed during the exhibition.

The FA-50 Block 20 is described as the most advanced variant of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft, with Poland being the only other confirmed buyer of the type.

Compared to earlier variants of the FA-50, the Block 20 features a more advanced Raytheon PhantomStrike AESA radar, an aerial refuelling capability from Chobham, and is capable of carrying and operating the Sniper advanced targeting pod(ATP),  and ability to fire more munition types including beyond visual range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM) and stand-off missiles.

Part of the deal also includes the final assembly of 14 aircraft in Malaysia under the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) between Malaysia and South Korea. KAI will provide the necessary raw materials and key components to be used on the locally assembled aircraft.

The FA-50 Block 20 will replace the Hawk 100 and 200 series lead-in fighter trainers and light combat aircraft, as well as the Aermacchi MB.339 advanced jet trainers.

The RMAF is expected to receive the first aircraft by October 2026, which will make Malaysia the fourth Southeast Asian country to operate the type after Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.

KAI has also made a pitch of their KF-21 Boramae 4.5-generation fighter aircraft to the RMAF, which is now in advanced stages of development and is expected to enter serial production by 2026. 

[1] The Star

[2] Aviacionline

[3] Flight Global