KAI Signs Contract to Export 18 FA-50 Light Attack Aircraft to Malaysia

Final Contract Signed at Malaysia 'LIMA 2023'
KAI Aircraft Exports Increase to Over 240 Units

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is exporting the domestically produced light attack aircraft FA-50 to Malaysia. This marks the third major achievement of a joint effort by Korea's civilian, government, and military sectors, following exports to the Philippines and Poland. The Malaysian government is also considering additional purchases of the FA-50. As a result, exports of the domestically produced FA-50 fighter jet are expected to increase further to Southeast Asia and Europe.

On the 23rd, KAI held a final contract signing ceremony for the export of 18 FA-50 aircraft at LIMA 2023, Southeast Asia's leading defense exhibition, which opened in Langkawi, Malaysia.

The event was attended by KAI President Kang Gu-young and Dato' Sri Muez, Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Defense. Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop and Malaysia’s Minister of Defense Mohamad Hasan also participated as representatives of their respective countries, pledging support for security and defense industry cooperation.

Previously, Malaysia had selected the FA-50 as the model for its first phase of light attack and tactical lead-in fighter trainer acquisition. In February, KAI signed a main contract (LOA) worth approximately $920 million (1.2 trillion KRW) for 18 aircraft. Since then, KAI has been negotiating detailed terms with the Malaysian government regarding aircraft delivery and follow-up support, culminating in the final contract this time.

Minister Lee Jong-seop stated, "The export of the FA-50 will play a significant role beyond simple defense cooperation, strengthening the security alliance between the two countries. The government will actively support ensuring that the FA-50M (the Malaysian export model of the FA-50) is properly operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force."

Malaysia plans to acquire an additional 18 FA-50 aircraft of the same model in a second phase. If the second export proceeds, the total number of FA-50s introduced by the Royal Malaysian Air Force will increase to a maximum of 36.

Including the supersonic advanced trainer T-50, which served as the foundation for the development of the FA-50, and the KT-1, Korea’s first independently developed aircraft, KAI is expected to have exported over 240 domestically produced aircraft worldwide.

At this year’s LIMA exhibition, which is the largest ever held, KAI is showcasing its main products including the FA-50, the 4.5-generation fighter KF-21, the first domestically produced helicopter Surion, and the light armed helicopter (LAH), aiming for additional exports.

The KF-21 received provisional combat suitability certification from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration on the 16th and is gaining attention in the Southeast Asian market due to its operational compatibility with the FA-50. The Surion, marking its 10th anniversary of operational deployment, has increased reliability in performance and follow-up support, attracting significant interest from countries with helicopter replacement needs.

KAI is actively marketing its key products at the LIMA exhibition. On the 24th, it will participate in the ‘Chief of Air Staff Conference’ hosted by the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, strengthening ties with air force chiefs from major ASEAN countries including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.