The Philippines eyes procurement of additional FA-50 jets and upgrades
Various reports have estimated that an additional 12 FA-50s could be acquired. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/PIO-PAF)
The Philippine Air Force is reportedly finalising terms for the upgrade of 12 and additional procurement of several FA-50 aircraft with KAI, with Embraer’s A-29 Super Tucanos procurement also completed.
The Philippines has been considering upgrading its air forces’ existing FA-50 aircraft and acquiring additional FA-50s from Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI).
In January 2025, the Philippines Department of National Defense released its Procurement Monitoring Report (PMR) for the second half of 2024, under which both of these projects for the FA-50 were highlighted under ‘on-going procurement activities’ – namely, listed as finalising the terms of reference.
The reported procurement cost for 12 additional FA-50 aircraft was listed at a price of PHP40 billion (US$683 million), with upgrades at a cost of around PHP5.6 billion.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) currently operates
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![FIA 2026: BAE unveils Brontanax for British and international CCA requirements]()
FIA 2026: BAE unveils Brontanax for British and international CCA requirements
Designed for the UK Royal Air Force’s StormFighter requirement, the carrier-capable platform could also support Royal Navy operations and international customers within the estimated $77.08 billion air force CCA market.
-
![FIA 2026: Post-Gripen strategy takes shape as Sweden accelerates current fleet]()
FIA 2026: Post-Gripen strategy takes shape as Sweden accelerates current fleet
Major General Jonas Wikman said Sweden had accelerated procurement of Taurus missiles and Gripen E capability as its air force adjusts to NATO membership and rethinks its future combat air strategy.
-
![FIA 2026: Interest grows in C-390 transport as Czech Republic takes first delivery]()
FIA 2026: Interest grows in C-390 transport as Czech Republic takes first delivery
The Czech Air Force took delivery of its first of two Embraer KC-390 transport aircraft ahead of Farnborough 2026, becoming the fourth operator of the type.
