Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced that its supersonic light attack aircraft, the FA-50M, has been successfully delivered to Malaysia.
The first two FA-50M aircraft departed from Sacheon, South Korea, on October 29 and arrived at the Kuantan Air Base in Malaysia on November 1. During the journey, they flew over Jeju, Laoag in the Philippines, and Labuan in Malaysia.
Notably, the segment from Labuan to Kuantan included both KAI pilots and pilots from the Royal Malaysian Air Force's 15th Squadron, adding significance to the flight. The two aircraft are set to undergo final acceptance tests by the Malaysian Air Force before formal delivery.
This export flight marks the first achievement of the contract signed with the Malaysian government in May 2023 for 18 FA-50M aircraft. The FA-50M was developed to replace the British-made Hawk 108 and 208 currently operated by the Malaysian Air Force. It features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and precision targeting equipment known as sniper pods, enhancing its air combat and ground attack capabilities. The aircraft also incorporates probe-and-drogue aerial refueling capabilities, extending its operational range and endurance compared to the previous FA-50 model.
KAI aims to expand its logistical support for the Malaysian Air Force following this delivery and is also exploring opportunities for an additional 18 FA-50M aircraft and the export of the Korean fighter jet KF-21.
A KAI official stated, "The arrival of the FA-50M at the Malaysian Air Force base is significant as it marks the entry into the practical delivery phase of the project that both countries have been pursuing since the contract was signed."
Meanwhile, the FA-50 is a light attack aircraft developed based on the domestically produced supersonic advanced trainer T-50, which is also operated by foreign air forces, including those of Poland and the Philippines.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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