Philippines pursuing 12 more FA-50 Fighting Eagles, highlight defense projects for 2025
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One of the PAF's FA-50PH Fighting Eagle light fighter. Photo c/o Wikipedia. |
The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) intends to acquire a second batch of 12 new FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft from South Korean aviation company Korea Aerospace Industries within 2025.
This is based on a Procurement Monitoring Report released by the DND which indicated updates on several defense procurement projects it is undertaking.
The project is expected to cost PHP40 billion (US$680 million), and is believed to involve the latest Block 20 variant of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle.
Once delivered, this would allow the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to have a second fighter squadron amidst increased security challenges brought by China’s incursions into Philippines’ 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone.
Currently the PAF only has a squadron of 12 earlier variants of the FA-50PH Fighting Eagle, although the same report from DND mentioned that these are also scheduled for upgrades with an allocated budget of PHP5.612 billion (approximately US$96 million).
Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines believes that the upgrades may involve the acquisition and integration of Lockheed Martin’s Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) and a new 300-gallon center line fuel tank, integration of GBU-12 and GBU-49 laser guided bombs, and work on the existing ELTA EL/M-2032 fire control radar to allow integration with beyond visual-range air-to-air missiles.
Aside from projects involving the KAI FA-50, the DND report also mentioned about the upcoming acquisition of Surface-to-Air missiles for new corvettes, which MaxDefense Philippines said are MBDA VL MICA missiles for the upcoming Miguel Malvar-class frigates.
Also included is the acquisition of a Bell 412EPX aeromedical helicopter and Forward Support System equipment for the Philippine Army, 10 “Canisterized” Surface-to-Air missiles for the PAF, Communications Equipment for the Philippine Navy, and several Cyber Defense packages for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Earlier the Philippine Air Force also confirmed to sign a contract with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer for the acquisition of 6 additional A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft last December 2024, with deliveries expected to be completed by 2026.
These are expected to reinforce its existing fleet of 6 A-29B Super Tucanos, and will replace the OV-10 Bronco light attack aircraft which were ultimately retired from service also last December 2024 after more than 33 years of service.
[1] Department of National Defense
[3] Aerotime

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