Malaysia officially declared the introduction of the FA-50 light fighter from Korea Aerospace Industries (047810) and evaluated it as a core project.
The Ministry of National Defense of Malaysia held a joint celebration of 51 major defense project contracts at the ‘LIMA (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition) 2023’ held in Langkawi, Malaysia on the 25th and officially declared the promotion of each project.
The FA-50M contract worth 1.2 trillion won is the largest among Malaysia’s defense acquisition projects, and was held as the first session of the event. The FA-50M is an improved model of the FA-50 to meet Malaysian demand.
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed a final contract for the FA-50M with Malaysia on the 23rd in the presence of the Minister of National Defense and the Vice Minister of Malaysia. It can be interpreted that there is high interest and anticipation for the introduction of the FA-50M.
Starting with this export, KAI plans to strengthen strategic cooperation with Malaysia and promote additional exports of the FA-50 while exploring business expansion opportunities such as the supersonic fighter KF-21, mobile helicopter Surion, and light armed helicopter LAH.
As Malaysia is planning to introduce 18 additional aircraft of the same type as the FA-50, the export volume is expected to increase to a maximum of 36 aircraft. The Malaysian Air Force has retired its flagship fighters, the F/A-18D and SU-30MKM, by 2040 and is promoting the introduction of new types, leaving the possibility of exporting the KF-21 open.
“We will do our best to thoroughly prepare and deliver aircraft on time to contribute to the strength of the Malaysian Air Force,” said KAI President Koo-Young Kang.
(Malaysia Langkawi = News 1)
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.