Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) said Monday that Malaysia’s first two FA-50M light combat aircraft had arrived at Kuantan Air Base, starting deliveries under a 2023 order to replace aging military planes.
The aircraft left KAI’s headquarters in Sacheon, South Korea, on Thursday and reached the Malaysian base Sunday. The contract covers 18 jets, leaving 16 still to arrive.
Their arrival begins the delivery process, but the Royal Malaysian Air Force has yet to take formal possession of the two aircraft. Final acceptance tests must be completed before the handover.
Malaysia ordered the FA-50Ms as part of its military modernization program. Malaysia intends the new jets to replace its aging Hawk 108 and 208 aircraft, which are used for advanced training and light combat.
