KAI FA-50PH

KAI FA-50PH

Type: Close Air Support Aircraft

Domain: air

Country of Origin: South Korea

Manufacturer: Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)

Overview

South Korean light attack aircraft providing Philippines Air Force with first jet combat capability in decades. Philippines procured 12 FA-50PH (Philippines variant) delivered 2015-2017 reviving jet operations after retirement of F-5 fighters. Features supersonic capability, modern avionics, AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, precision bombs and rockets, lead-in fighter trainer role. Extensively deployed for counter-insurgency operations against Abu Sayyaf and other groups, maritime patrol, air defense training. Block 20 modernization under consideration adding enhanced sensors and weapons. Critical for Philippines given Chinese South China Sea pressure and internal security threats. However, limited capability versus modern fighters restricting to permissive environments. Represents Philippines defense modernization beginnings though limited budget restricts numbers. South Korean cooperation includes training and maintenance support enabling operational sustainability.

Technical Specifications

Cannon20 mm M197 3-barrel
EngineGE F404-GE-102 (17,700 lbf AB)
Length13.14 m
Wingspan9.45 m
Max speed1,060 km/h (Mach 1.0)
Hardpoints7 (up to 3,250 kg)
Ferry range2,590 km
Combat radius460 km
Service ceiling14,600 m

Operators

Related air Weapon Systems