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.
