KAI inks US$700 mln deal to export FA-50 aircraft to Manila

SEOUL, June 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korean defense firm Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) has signed a deal with the Philippine defense ministry to export 12 FA-50 light attack fighters by 2030, the state arms procurement agency said Wednesday.

The US$700 million deal signed Tuesday marks the second round of FA-50 exports to Manila, following an initial deal signed in 2014 to supply 12 jets, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

South Korea and Manila have been in talks over the FA-50 deal, with DAPA Minister Seok Jong-gun and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro discussing arms industry cooperation during their meeting in Manila in March.

The Philippines has introduced various South Korean-made weapons systems over the past decade, including FA-50 light attack aircraft, frigates and corvettes worth around $3 billion, emerging as Seoul's biggest arms trade partner in Southeast Asia.

"The deal to supply additional FA-50 aircraft is expected to contribute to expanding bilateral military exchanges, as well as stabilizing security in Southeast Asia," DAPA said.

The FA-50 has been exported to six countries, including Indonesia, Iraq, Malaysia, Poland and Thailand, so far. Prior to the Philippines deal, South Korea last inked a deal to supply 18 jets to Malaysia in 2023.

mlee@yna.co.kr
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