JINJU (South Korea), Sept 13 – Construction of the 18 FA-50M light fighter jets ordered by Malaysia has reached 39 per cent and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is expected to receive the first batch of these jets in 2026, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said all of these light fighter jets are being built according to schedule in South Korea.
The procurement of the FA-50M is part of the RMAF Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55).
“We definitely need to increase our air assets because our airspace is vast and requires an effective air force to carry out its role.
“We purchased the FA-50M last year, and I visited the manufacturing plant in South Korea to observe the construction progress of the FA-50M and to see what advantages the aircraft offers,” he said after his visit to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Aerospace here.
According to Mohamed Khaled, KAI and Hanwha Aerospace are the military asset manufacturers responsible for building Malaysia’s 18 FA-50M fighter jets.
“Although KAI is responsible for manufacturing the FA-50M, the F404 engine it uses is built by Hanwha Aerospace,” he said.
The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the South Korean aerospace company signed a contract in May last year for the acquisition of 18 FA-50M (Malaysia), valued at approximately RM4 billion.
