COPE Thunder A Philippine Air Force FA-50 soars in the US-Philippines Joint Military Exercise ‘Cope Thunder’ at Basa Air Base in Pampanga on 11 April. The first iteration of the exercise concluded on Saturday, with the PAF and USAF’s skilled personnel sharing best practices in aircraft maintenance.
JAM STA ROSA/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Saturday announced the acquisition of 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft from South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program.
DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the Notice to Proceed was issued earlier this month, formalizing the contract worth over USD 700 million under the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
The package includes mission equipment, integrated logistics support, and a training and logistics information system.
The FA-50 Block 70 is the latest variant of the FA-50 platform, boasting upgraded avionics, a modern radar system, and extended operational range.
Andolong said the acquisition strengthens the country's air defense capabilities and supports the DND’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.
Delivery of the aircraft will be done in phases over the next five years, with full completion targeted by 2030.
"The acquisition underscores the Philippine government’s continued commitment to national defense and further strengthens bilateral defense cooperation with the Republic of Korea," Andolong said.
