(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The procurement contract for 18 FA-50M light fighter aircraft (FA-50 Block 20) by Malaysia from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is progressing smoothly, with assembly of the aircraft having reached 37 percent completion as of the end of July.
According to sources who spoke to Defence Security Asia, the assembly progress of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) light fighter jets is expected to increase to 39 percent by the end of August.
“All assembly work is on track. By next year, hopefully the aircraft will be fully assembled,” the source told the Kuala Lumpur-based regional defense and security website.
The Ministry of Defence and KAI signed the contract in May last year for the acquisition of 18 FA-50M light fighter aircraft for the RMAF, valued at an estimated RM4 billion.
The RMAF is expected to receive the first batch of four FA-50M aircraft in October 2026.
The remaining aircraft will be delivered in stages, with the final aircraft expected to be received by 2028.
The source also mentioned that, for the time being, all 18 light fighter aircraft will operate from the RMAF base in Kuantan.
The RMAF’s FA-50M light fighter jets are the most advanced and capable variant compared to those acquired by other countries, including South Korea and several Southeast Asian nations.
Only the FA-50PL variant operated by Poland is comparable to what the RMAF will possess.
In an interview with Bernama in Langkawi last May, KAI’s CEO Kang Goo-Young stated that the FA-50M variant acquired by Malaysia is more sophisticated and capable compared to the FA-50 variant operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).
Sources previously informed Defence Security Asia that pilot training will begin in early 2026, involving six pilots for a period of three to six months. This will include simulator training.
“They will start with the T50 and TA-50 aircraft before transitioning to the FA-50M,” the source said, adding that the training will initially take place in Wonju, South Korea, using T-50 aircraft before moving to Sacheon, where RMAF pilots will fly the FA-50M for the first time.
One of the key differences between the FA-50M variant for Malaysia and the FA-50 variants used by other air forces is that the RMAF’s light fighter jets will be equipped with the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) “PhantomStrike” radar, along with the latest electronic components and an air-to-air refueling probe.
The FA-50M variant that the RMAF will operate will also have the capability to launch precision-guided missiles and bombs.
Additionally, it will be equipped with the “Sniper” Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) developed by U.S. defense firm Lockheed Martin.
The Sniper ATP, weighing approximately 200kg, provides enhanced target detection and identification capabilities, as well as continuous surveillance for all mission types, including close air support for ground forces.
The Sniper ATP system is a proven targeting pod used in combat by the U.S. and international customers, including on aircraft such as the F-15E, F-16 (all Blocks), B-1, A-10C, Harrier GR7/9, and F/A-18.
The Sniper ATP’s “plug and play” capability allows it to be used on various platforms without requiring software changes.
The Sniper ATP’s features include high-definition mid-wave Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), HDTV, dual-mode laser, laser spot tracker, laser marker, video data link, and a digital data recorder.
The Lockheed Martin Sniper ATP also has the ability to track tactical targets through real-time imagery displayed in the cockpit.
The Sniper ATP is also compatible with the latest “J-Series” bombs for use against both moving and stationary targets.
The FA-50M aircraft will also be equipped with U/VHF radios similar to those used in the latest F-16 Block 70 fighter jets.
The 18 FA-50M aircraft, acquired by Malaysia at an estimated cost of RM4 billion, will also be equipped with “Link 16 Block Upgrade 2” (military tactical data link), providing secure, safe, and enemy-interception-free communication capabilities.
Additionally, this variant will be armed with a 20mm gun, AIM-9 missiles, GBU-12 LGB Integration, GBU-38 JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munitions), and AGM-65 Maverick missiles.
The FA-50M variant will also feature an Air-To-Air Refueling Probe (AAR Probe) known as the “Cobham Mission System,” developed by the UK-based Cobham company.
The in-flight refueling capability will enable the FA-50 Block 20 to operate over longer distances and remain airborne for extended periods. – DSA