Malaysia’s FA-50M Rapidly Taking Shape in South Korea, Surpassing 50 Pct Completion Ahead of Schedule

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF)’s FA-50M light combat aircrafts are taking shape at an impressive pace, with construction work by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) surging past the 50 percent completion mark.

Defence Security Asia has learned that the production of these advanced warbirds is not only on track but racing ahead of schedule.

Industry insiders reveal that works to construct RMAF‘s FA-50M is exceeding expectations, delivering faster-than-planned progress—an undeniable testament to the company’s precision, efficiency, and cutting-edge expertise in aerospace engineering.

“The FA-50M fighter jet program has already exceeded 50 percent completion, surpassing the original contract schedule,” the source stated.

Defence Security Asia has also learned that the RMAF Chief and a delegation of senior officers are currently in South Korea.

During Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin’s visit to South Korea in September last year, where he inspected KAI’s facilities in Sacheon, he reported that the FA-50M construction had already reached 39 percent completion.

“I had the opportunity to witness defense product demonstrations, manufacturing facilities, and receive updates on the FA-50M’s construction progress. Alhamdulillah, everything is in good condition, on schedule, and now 39 percent complete.”

“This acquisition will undoubtedly enhance the operational readiness of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), particularly the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF),” he stated in a Facebook post.

The RMAF is set to receive its first batch of four FA-50M fighter jets in October 2026, with the remaining jets to be delivered in phases, culminating in the final delivery by 2028.

Industry sources previously informed Defence Security Asia that all 18 FA-50M jets will be stationed at RMAF Kuantan Air Base.

During his visit to South Korea in November last year, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged for the expedited delivery of the 18 FA-50M light fighter jets acquired from South Korea.

“We are requesting an accelerated delivery of the 18 FA-50M fighter jets, a purchase decision made several years ago, originally scheduled for 2026. If possible, we would like it to be delivered sooner,” he stated.

However, he did not specify an alternative timeline for Malaysia’s receipt of the fighter jets.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence and KAI signed a RM4 billion contract during LIMA 2023 to procure 18 FA-50M (FA-50 Block 20) light fighter jets.

RMAF’s FA-50M is the most modern and capable variant of the FA-50, surpassing those operated by other countries, including South Korea and several Southeast Asian nations.

Only Poland’s FA-50PL variant is considered nearly identical to Malaysia’s FA-50M in terms of capabilities.

In an interview with Bernama during LIMA 2023 in Langkawi, KAI CEO Kang Goo-Young stated that Malaysia’s FA-50M variant is more advanced and capable than the FA-50s operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).

Training for RMAF pilots is expected to begin in early 2026, involving six pilots for a duration of three to six months, including simulator-based training.

The intensive training program will take place at a ROKAF airbase in Gwangju, South Korea, using T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer jets, which were co-developed by KAI and Lockheed Martin.

“Only after completing the training with the T-50 Golden Eagle, RMAF pilots will transition to flying the actual FA-50M light fighter jets,” the source stated.

One of the key differences between Malaysia’s FA-50M and the FA-50 variants used by other air forces is its Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar capability.

Both Malaysia’s FA-50M and Poland’s FA-50PL will be equipped with the PhantomStrike AESA radar, along with cutting-edge electronic systems and an air-to-air refueling probe.

Developed by RTX (Raytheon Technologies), the PhantomStrike AESA radar is designed with Low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) criteria, making it adaptable for various platforms, including light fighter jets, fixed-wing aircraft, UAVs, and surveillance towers.

The PhantomStrike radar utilizes Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, digital beamforming and steering, and an advanced Chirp digital processor developed by Raytheon Missiles & Defense.

RTX claims that the PhantomStrike AESA radar significantly enhances situational awareness in combat, delivering high-end capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional radar systems.

The FA-50M will also be equipped with precision-guided missile and bomb capabilities, further strengthening its strike potential.

Additionally, the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP), developed by Lockheed Martin, will be integrated into the FA-50M for enhanced target acquisition, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Weighing approximately 200 kg, the Sniper ATP provides upgraded detection and target identification capabilities, supporting close air support (CAS) missions for ground forces.

With these state-of-the-art features, Malaysia’s FA-50M will significantly elevate RMAF’s combat capabilities, ensuring a modern and formidable aerial force for the country.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA