The Department of National Defense (DND) on Saturday said it bought 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft from South Korea firm Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd (KAI).

“The acquisition underscores the Philippine government’s continued commitment to national defense and further strengthens bilateral defense cooperation with the Republic of Korea,” the DND said in a press statement on Saturday.

Th purchase of the 12 FA-50s Block 70 aircraft is part of the Acrmed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program under the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

“A Notice to Proceed was issued earlier this month, formalizing the contract valued at over $700 million. The comprehensive package includes mission equipment, integrated logistics support, and a training and logistics information system,” the DND said.

According to the DND, the FA-50 Block 70 is the ‘latest evolution’ of the FA-50 platform, featuring advanced avionics, modern radar systems, and extended operational range.

“Its acquisition marks a significant enhancement to the country’s air defense capabilities and aligns with the DND’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept,” the DND added.

The DND targets the full competition of delivery of the 12 aircrafts by 2030, carried out in phases over the next five years.

The $700-million agreement between the DND and KAI was previously signed last June 3, as reported by the South Korean newspaper Chosun Daily.

The PAF has previously acquired from KAI 12 FA-50 jets worth P18.9 billion under the 1st horizon of the modernization program of the AFP, albeit only 11 are functional following the crash of one its jets in Bukidnon last March. DMS