KAI Delivers FA-50M Aircraft Nos. 1 and 2 to the Malaysian Air Force

[Financial News] Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has delivered two FA-50M aircraft to the Malaysian Air Force. This is the first achievement in the 18-aircraft export program.
KAI said it delivered FA-50M aircraft Nos. 1 and 2 to the Malaysian Air Force on the 29th. Although they were the initial batch, they were delivered by flying them directly to the customer. A notable feature was the first-time installation of a 275-gallon external fuel tank, which greatly extended their flight range.
The FA-50M is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and a Sniper pod, a high-performance system for day-and-night target identification and aiming, giving it notable long-range precision strike capability. Probe-and-drogue aerial refueling capability has also been introduced.
The Malaysian Air Force plans to put the aircraft into service after final acceptance tests, replacing British-made Hawk aircraft. This is under the FA-50M supply contract signed in May 2023. KAI is also pursuing follow-on project opportunities, including supplying an additional 18 FA-50Ms and the KAI KF-21 Boramae.

[email protected] Kim Yun-ho Reporter