Come 2026, the Malaysian Air Force will be getting the first batch of the South Korean FA-50 light combat jets.

The announcement to procure the light combat aircrafts was made by Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari recently who also added that some 18 aircrafts have been purchased from South Korea.

He also said that various factors have been taken into account before deciding to purchase the decision.

Among them was the expertise in aircraft operation and the country’s economic situation among others. The aircrafts are produced by the Korea Aerospace Industries Co (KAI).

The deal is worth some US$920 million or RM4.08 billion.

Before this, news was circulating that the Defence Ministry was considering fighter jets in the likes of the Tejas from India, Russia MIG-35, Turkey’s Hurizet and Pakistan’s JF-17.

Malaysia is currently operating the MIkoyan or MIG-29, SU-30MKM, F/A-18 Hornet and the Hawk 208, 

With the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition LIMA) 2023 from May 23-27 on the horizon, surely the FA-50 will make its presence in a big way.