KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 26): Malaysia is scheduled to receive its first two South Korean-made FA-50M Block 20 light combat aircraft this Friday, Oct 30, as part of a procurement of 18 such aircraft worth nearly RM4 billion.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the delivery would strengthen the air combat capabilities of the Malaysian Armed Forces, with the aircraft to be based at the Kuantan and Labuan Air Bases.

“We are acquiring 18 FA-50M aircraft from South Korea, which will be based at the Kuantan Air Force Base, with some also slated for deployment to the Labuan Air Force Base to strengthen our air combat capabilities.

“I am pleased to share that Malaysia will receive the first two FA-50M aircraft by the end of this month, on Oct 30, 2026,” he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2027 (Budget 2027) at the policy stage for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.

In May 2023, the Ministry of Defence and the South Korean aerospace company Korea Aerospace Industries signed a contract worth nearly RM4 billion for the procurement of 18 FA-50 Block 20 light combat aircraft, designated as the FA-50M for Malaysia.

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