April 25, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Korea Aerospace Industries or KAI said on July 4 that it has completed the delivery of 12 FA-50PH light aircraft to the Philippines. 

The delivery was made three months earlier than scheduled and the country’s sole aircraft manufacturer is hopeful that the Southeast Asian country will place an additional order in the future.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said at an event at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga, that the government would consider purchasing another 12 FA-50PH aircraft during his six-year term that began in June 30, 2016. If the additional purchase is achieved during Duterte’s tenure, the KAI will be able to generate another US$400 million in revenue. 

In 2014, KAI received a US$420 million order to build the planes that can perform light attack and aerial combat roles for the Philippine Air Force. KAI built the FA-50PH by adding advanced avionics and arming capabilities based on the advanced trainer, T-50, developed jointly with Lockheed Martin of the US.
 
“The FA-50PH was introduced as part of the military modernization program by the Philippine government. The government is extremely satisfied with the price performance of the aircraft and are looking into the logistics of placing an additional order in the future.” said an industry official.

KAI has exported a total of 137 KT-1 basic trainers and the T-50 advanced trainer jets valued at $3.4 billion to seven countries such as Indonesia, Turkey, Peru and the Philippines. The aircraft manufacturer is also currently promoting the export of domestic aircraft to Thailand, Botswana, and the US.
 
By Alex Lee (alexlee@heraldcorp.com)