As part of its efforts to modernise its air force, the Philippines is in critical negotiations with South Korean aerospace giant Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for potential fighter aircraft purchases. The focus of the talks is on the purchase of South Korea’s indigenously produced next-generation fighter aircraft KF-21 Boramae, as well as additional FA-50 light attack aircraft in the Philippines’ current inventory.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the negotiations between the two countries gained momentum immediately after a major defence exhibition held at Seoul Air Base, where KAI showcased the aircraft in its inventory. at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defence Exhibition (ADEX) 2025, which took place from 19 to 23 October, the flight demonstration of the KF-21 aircraft performed by the Republic of Korea Air Force attracted the attention of military and government representatives from the region, including the Philippine delegation.
KF-21 Boramae Attracts Philippine Delegation
The KF-21 Boramae stood out at the exhibition as a demonstration of South Korea’s aviation capabilities. KAI exhibited not only the KF-21, but also the FA-50 light attack aircraft, the KUH-1 Surion utility helicopter and the “Light Attack Helicopter” currently used by the Philippine Air Force. This wide range of products makes KAI an attractive partner for the Philippines’ future defence needs.
Park Seonhee, KAI’s Senior Manager of International Business Development (Asia), made important remarks about this close co-operation with the Philippines. Speaking to This Week in Asia, Seonhee emphasised that the fact that the Philippines is among the current FA-50 users is a strong reference:
“Their actual combat experience serves as a strong reference that can be introduced to other countries. We value the Philippine Air Force; they are already using the FA-50 and have recently ordered new units. We are committed to supporting them to strengthen their capabilities.”
FA-50’s Advantage of High Combat Readiness Rate
The relationship between the Philippines and KAI is based on the 12 FA-50 aircraft supplied to the Philippine Air Force since 2014. Manila placed an order for 12 additional modernised FA-50 aircraft earlier this year, indicating a deepening of existing cooperation.
Daeseo Park, a consultant in KAI’s Global Business Division and a retired colonel from the Republic of Korea Air Force, expressed a critical advantage that the FA-50 offers to its users. Park highlighted the aircraft’s high combat readiness rate and said, “Our strength is that we can always keep the combat readiness rate above 85 per cent. This means that in any situation, your FA-50 is ready to fight anytime, anywhere,” Park said. This reliability is vital for countries such as the Philippines that want to keep their air power operational at all times.
Defence Relations Deepen and Korea’s Global Export Goal
According to Defence Blog, the Philippines has not yet officially confirmed the scope of possible future purchases. However, these high-level meetings indicate that the defence relationship between Manila and Seoul is deepening.
For South Korea, these negotiations are part of its strategy to increase its defence exports and become one of the world’s top four defence exporters. Southeast Asia stands out as an important target market in this global strategy. The Philippines’ interest in South Korean systems, especially the KF-21, is considered as an important step for Korea’s aviation industry to strengthen its position in Southeast Asia.
