More FA-50 fighters for South Korea

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has been awarded a contract for the production and delivery of additional FA-50 fighter aircraft to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). Awarded by the South Korean Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA), the $1 billion contract covers the supply of an unspecified number of jets and represents the second order for mass production of the FA-50 aircraft. Around 20 aircraft were ordered by DAPA from the company under the first $600 million contract in January 2012.

A multi-role fighter variant of KAI’s T-50 Golden Eagle aircraft, the FA-50 features an upgraded radar, advanced avionics, a longer radome and enhanced internal fuel capacity. Primarily designed to replace ROKAF’s F-5E/F Tiger and Cessna A-37 by 2013, the General Electric F404-GE-102-powered aircraft is also fitted with a radar warning receiver and night vision imaging system for enhanced protection during both day and night.

Deliveries under the first contract will take place in two batches, with the first batch comprising eight FA-50s for delivery this year; the remaining 12 will be delivered in 2014. Meanwhile, KAI is currently conducting final negotiations with the Philippines for the sale of 12 FA-50 aircraft worth some $463.3 million.