Philippines announces additional purchase of 12 FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea

The Philippines has announced the addition of another 12 FA-50 light fighters from South Korea, with deliveries expected to begin in stages starting from 2030.

In an announcement on Saturday morning, the Philippine Department of National Defense stated that a contract was signed earlier this month with Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) to purchase 12 FA-50 Block 70 light fighters. The total transaction amount is $700 million, including equipment necessary for missions, integrated logistics services, as well as training and logistics information systems.

The Philippine Department of National Defense said, "This procurement marks a significant enhancement in air defense capabilities, in line with the Department's Integrated Archipelagic Defense Concept." This highlights the Philippine government's "continued commitment to defense," further strengthening bilateral defense cooperation with South Korea.

This is also the most expensive single military procurement deal under the Philippines' military modernization program with foreign suppliers. The Philippine Department of National Defense stated that Block 70 is the latest version of the FA-50 aircraft, featuring advanced avionics, modern radar systems, and extended operational range, which will significantly enhance the Philippines' air defense capabilities and complement the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).

It is reported that the delivery of the aircraft will be carried out in phases over the next five years, with the goal of completing it by 2030.

The focus shifts from "internal stability" to "external defense."

The Philippine Air Force stated that the proposal to increase purchases of FA-50 fighter jets falls within the scope of its modernization plan's "third phase."

In April this year, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced approval for the Philippines to purchase 20 F-16 fighter jets at a cost of $5.58 billion. However, weeks later, Philippine Chief of Staff General Briones said that the Philippines had not yet decided whether to purchase F-16 fighter jets, with Sweden's JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets also being considered as an option.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Romulo said in May that although the Philippines hopes to acquire F-16 fighter jets to enhance interoperability with like-minded countries, the huge cost presents a problem for the Philippines.

Source: rfi

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834895596357699/

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