The US$700 million contract, signed on Tuesday with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), will see the delivery of the aircraft between 2026 and 2030, the state-run Philippine News Agency reported.
The new FA-50 Block 70 jets will come equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, aerial refuelling capability and advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons systems, according to KAI.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) currently uses the FA-50 for both air patrol and strike missions. Analysts said the latest order would double the fleet, ease the burden on ageing aircraft and support the air force’s modernisation road map.
Known as the Flight Plan, the programme prioritises the acquisition of surface attack aircraft to strengthen territorial defence.
