Malaysia Urges Accelerated Delivery of FA-50M Light Combat Aircraft

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for the expedited delivery of 18 FA-50M light combat aircraft ordered by Malaysia from South Korea.

Speaking to Malaysian journalists in Seoul, South Korea, on the final day of his working visit to the East Asian nation, Anwar emphasized the need to hasten the delivery of the aircraft, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).

“We have requested an expedited delivery of the 18 FA-50M aircraft, which was decided upon a few years ago and initially slated for delivery in 2026.”

“If possible, we would like it accelerated,” said the Prime Minister, who also serves as Malaysia’s Finance Minister, though he did not elaborate on the revised delivery timeline.

The Malaysian Ministry of Defence and KAI signed a RM4 billion contract in May last year during the LIMA 2023 exhibition to procure the 18 FA-50M Block 20 aircraft.

During a visit to KAI facilities in South Korea in September, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Khaled Nordin revealed that construction of Malaysia’s FA-50M aircraft had reached 39 percent completion.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is expected to receive the first batch of four FA-50M aircraft in October 2026, with subsequent deliveries to follow in stages, culminating in the final delivery by 2028.

According to sources, all 18 aircraft will initially operate out of RMAF Kuantan Air Base.

The RMAF’s FA-50M variant is reportedly the most advanced and capable version of the aircraft, featuring enhancements over models acquired by other nations, including South Korea and several Southeast Asian countries.

Pilot training for the aircraft is scheduled to begin in early 2026, involving six RMAF pilots over a period of three to six months.

The training will include simulator-based instruction, with intensive sessions lasting up to six months depending on individual performance. The program will take place at a South Korean Air Force (ROKAF) base in Gwangju.

“The intensive training will utilize the T-50 ‘Golden Eagle’ advanced trainer aircraft, jointly developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Lockheed Martin of the United States.

Only after completing training with the T-50 will the RMAF pilots transition to operating the actual FA-50M light combat aircraft,” a source explained.

One of the key differences in Malaysia’s FA-50M variant is its inclusion of cutting-edge features, such as an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, advanced electronic components, and air-to-air refueling capabilities.

 The aircraft will also be equipped to deploy precision-guided missiles and bombs.

Additionally, the RMAF’s FA-50M will be outfitted with the “Sniper” Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP), developed by U.S. defense firm Lockheed Martin.

Weighing approximately 200kg, the Sniper ATP provides enhanced target detection, identification, and continuous surveillance capabilities for various missions, including close air support for ground forces. — DSA