2026 to Be a Busy Year for RMAF as It Begins Receiving FA-50M Fighters and ATR 72 MPA
Next year is expected to be a busy period for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) as it prepares to receive FA-50M fighter jets and ATR 72 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – During his 2025 New Year address held recently, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced that the construction of the FA-50M light combat aircraft and the ATR 72 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) is progressing smoothly.
Next year is expected to be a busy period for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
According to Mohamed Khaled, the RMAF is scheduled to receive its first two FA-50M light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in October 2026.
Meanwhile, the ATR 72 MPA, manufactured by Leonardo, is expected to be delivered in June and September 2026.
In his 2025 New Year Address, the Defence Minister also revealed that the construction progress of the FA-50M (Block 20) light combat aircraft has reached 48 percent.
Mohamed Khaled during his visit to KAI’s facility in South Korea in September last year. (Photo: Mohamed Khaled/Facebook)
During his visit to KAI in South Korea in September last year to personally inspect the construction of Malaysia’s FA-50M aircraft, he shared via his Facebook account that the production was on track and had reached 39 percent completion.
The RMAF is expected to receive the remaining FA-50M aircraft in stages following the delivery of the first two units in October 2026.
The final aircraft is anticipated to be delivered by 2028.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently urged for the expedited delivery of the FA-50M light combat aircraft.
The Malaysian Ministry of Defence signed a procurement contract during LIMA 2023 for 18 FA-50M light combat aircraft valued at approximately RM4 billion and two ATR 72 MPA aircraft worth around RM700 million.
Mohamed Khaled during his visit to KAI’s facility in South Korea in September last year. (Photo: Mohamed Khaled/Facebook)
In a December 2024 Facebook statement, RMAF Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan conducted a working visit to Leonardo’s facility in Turin, Italy, to observe the construction progress of the RMAF’s ATR 72 MPA.
According to the RMAF’s social media post from December last year, the delegation led by Mohd Asghar visited LAD Caselle in Turin, the site where the P-72M aircraft is being modified.
“The delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the project’s latest status and inspected the modification work carried out,” the statement noted.
During his visit to Italy, the RMAF Chief also paid a courtesy call on his counterpart, Lieutenant General Luca Goretti, Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force (ITAF), at ITAF Headquarters in Rome.
Their one-on-one discussion aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation between both air forces, particularly in training and sharing ITAF’s extensive expertise in operating this type of maritime patrol aircraft.
(credit RMAF FB) (credit RMAF FB)
Under the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s CAP55 program, the country plans to operate at least six maritime patrol aircraft, with procurement spread across several Malaysian Development Plans.
Two maritime patrol aircraft were acquired under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025), while four more are planned for acquisition in the next two five-year development plans.
Promoted as a cost-effective operational platform, the P-72M is a high-capability maritime patrol aircraft capable of conducting anti-submarine warfare (ASuW), anti-surface warfare (ASW), and electronic intelligence (ELINT) missions.
The aircraft can remain airborne for over eight hours during missions.
With a maximum take-off weight of 23 tons, the maritime patrol aircraft can reach speeds of 465 km/h and operate at altitudes up to 25,000 feet.