Aerospace

Malaysia picks South Korea’s FA-50 over Tejas, Hurjet in $920 million deal

Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI), the only aircraft maker in South Korea, announced on Friday that Malaysia has awarded it a contract for a 1.2 trillion won (US$920 million) aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2026.

The FA-50 is a light combat aircraft that can be used for a variety of missions, including air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. It is equipped with a radar system, advanced avionics, and a range of weapons systems, including missiles, rockets, and bombs.

The acquisition of the FA-50 is part of Malaysia’s broader efforts to modernize its armed forces and replace its aging equipment with newer, more capable systems. The aircraft is expected to enhance Malaysia’s air defense capabilities and provide a significant boost to its overall military capabilities.

If Malaysia were to select the Tejas for its fighter aircraft procurement program, it would be a significant boost to India’s defense exports and further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Malaysia. However, at this time, the status of the Tejas tender for Malaysia remains uncertain.

KAI won the contract to export 18 FA-50 light attack aircraft from the Malaysian defense ministry over competing bids from India’s Tejas, Pakistan’s JF-17, Russia’s MIG-35, and Turkey’s Hurizet, the company said in a statement. After Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, this is KAI’s fourth aircraft contract with a Southeast Asian nation, according to the announcement.

Does Malaysia choose the Tejas fighter jet from India?(Opens in a new browser tab)

With this most recent agreement, KAI will have exported 68 KT-1 basic, T-50 advanced, and FA-50 aircraft to Southeast Asian markets. It has agreements in place to provide 222 aircraft to nations around the world, including Iraq, Poland, Peru, and Senegal.

In addition, KAI anticipates winning a contract to provide Malaysia with an additional 18 FA-50s as the Southeast Asian nation intends to expand its aircraft fleet. It seeks to increase the export of its aircraft to markets in the Middle East, Africa, Australia, the US, and other regions.

KAI aims to earn 3.83 trillion won in sales in 2023 and 4.48 trillion won in orders for aircraft and parts. In the previous year, the corporation set an order target of 4.19 trillion won but actually received 8.74 trillion won.

The final aircraft for the Malysian tender shortlist was the Tejas and KAI FA 50. It was on hold while talks with the parties continued. Nonetheless, the Korean succeeded in convincing the Malaysian and secured the contract.

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Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

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Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.