Malaysia’s Acquisition Of FA-50 Block 20 Described As “Double-Edged Sword” For The Philippines.

The article first appeared in June.

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Malaysia’s acquisition of 18 FA-50 Block 20 light fighter aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has been met with disapproval from a defense observer in neighboring Philippines.

A Philippine defense observer, who has over 170,000 followers on his Facebook page, described Malaysia’s acquisition of the South Korean-made light combat aircraft as a “double-edged sword” for the Philippines.

“The sale of FA-50s to Malaysia is a double-edged sword for the Philippines,” he wrote.

The phrase “double-edged sword” means that the acquisition of the FA-50 Block 20 fighter jets by Malaysia could have both positive and negative consequences for the Philippines.

“With Malaysia improving their combat capabilities through the acquisition of FA-50s, it also means that the Philippines needs to double its overall capabilities to ensure that its southern borders are well-defended from potential Malaysian encroachments.”

“After all, Malaysia is not considered an ally and still has overlapping territorial claims with the Philippines, including the Kalayaan Island Group,” he added.

The observer also said that the FA-50 Block 20s that Malaysia is acquiring are the latest variant of the FA-50/T-50 family developed by KAI. They are equipped with an AESA radar, air refueling probe, Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods, stand-off weapons systems, and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles.

He said that the full capabilities of the Malaysian FA-50s outmatched the Philippine Air Force’s FA-50s.

The Philippine Air Force currently has 12 FA-50s.

Reports say that it is planning to add to its fleet of the fighter jets by acquiring the Block 20 variant, as well.

The Malaysian Ministry of Defense and KAI signed a contract for the acquisition of 18 FA-50 Block 20 “Fighting Eagles” worth more than RM3.8 billion at LIMA ’23.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is expected to receive the first batch of FA-50 Block 20s in October 2026, according to a KAI official.

Malaysia is likely to add another 18 FA-50s, bringing the total number of the fighter jets in the country’s inventory to 36.

On the one hand, the FA-50 Block 20 is a very capable fighter jet.

It is equipped with modern weapons and avionics, and it is capable of carrying out a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and maritime patrol.

The acquisition of these fighter jets by Malaysia could therefore improve the country’s air defense capabilities and deter potential aggressors.

On the other hand, the FA-50 Block 20 is also a very capable aircraft for offensive operations.

If Malaysia were to use these fighter jets to attack the Philippines, it could pose a serious threat to the country’s security.

Ultimately, the consequences of Malaysia’s acquisition of the FA-50 Block 20 fighter jets for the Philippines will depend on how Malaysia uses these aircraft.

If Malaysia uses them for defensive purposes, it could help to deter potential aggressors and improve the security of the region.

However, if Malaysia uses them for offensive purposes, it could destabilize the region and pose a serious threat to the Philippines.

As reported by Defence Security Asia previously, the FA-50 Block 20 variant offered to the RMAF will be equipped with the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) “PhantomStrike” radar developed by the US defense company Raytheon Intelligence & Space.

The information also confirms that the FA-50 Block 20 offered to the RMAF will be equipped with a U/VHF radio system that is similar to the one used in the latest F-16 Block 70 fighter jet variant.

In addition, the FA-50 Block 20 offered to the RMAF will also be equipped with the “Link 16 Block Upgrade 2” system.

The FA-50 Block 20 variant has also been reported to be equipped with an Air-To-Air Refuelling Probe (AAR Probe) developed by the UK company Cobham. — DSA