“Right now, almost everybody knows that we have FA-50s on our inventory. But the procurement process and the modernization program of the Armed Forces is on the level of higher department,” Sotto said.

Although the prospect of deploying the FA-50 is still very nascent, it assumes significance in the face of growing Chinese threats in the region.

FA-50 Might Escort Maritime Patrol Planes 

Military analysts have consistently indicated that the Philippine Air Force is arguably the country’s least robust component, highlighting the need for at least a dozen squadrons of multirole jets to effectively protect the archipelago’s airspace.

Although Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has given the green light for the state to acquire new multirole fighter jets, the process is going to take time, and the FA-50s are currently the only aircraft that the PAF could deploy to deter the Chinese fighter jets. Manila has reportedly been offered the most advanced variant of the F-16 and the Saab Gripen, but a decision on acquisition has yet to be made.

In contrast to the FA-50 light fighter jets in the Philippines’ inventory, China has a massive air fleet composed of heavy and multi-role fighters that are believed to vastly exceed the capability of the South Korean-origin FA-50.

Currently, the PAF’s inventory consists of 12 KAI FA-50s, a single-engine, twin-seat aircraft acquired from South Korea. The FA-50 is based on the T-50, an indigenous trainer aircraft capable of supersonic flight that was modified from the F-16 to train pilots for the KF-16 and F-15K.

When asked whether the FA-50 would be able to hold out on its own against an advanced multi-role Chinese jet, Miguel Miranda, a Philippines-based military analyst, told the EurAsian Times, “The FA-50 is being deployed for posturing against China, to establish some deterrence. A Chinese fighter can cause an accident with a Filipino FA-50. The risk: Chinese pilots are extremely aggressive and have bigger and faster planes.

The aircraft is predominantly designed for missions including air defense, strike, and jet training. Its manufacturers have projected it as the ‘low-cost alternative’ to the F-16 fighter jets.

AfriPrime App link:  FREE to download...

https://www.amazon.com/Africircle-AfriPrime/dp/B0D2M3F2JT

Being the most sophisticated and upgraded version of the T-50, the FA-50 has increased internal fuel capacity, improved avionics, a longer radome, and a tactic datalink. Additionally, it is said to be outfitted with an Israeli EL/M-2032 pulse-Doppler radar that has been adapted specifically for South Korea by LIG Nex1.

In addition to carrying most of the missiles, bombs, and other ordnance carried by the South Korean Air Force, the FA-50 is also equipped with armament comparable to that carried by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and JAS-39 Gripen. It is equipped with a 20mm cannon.

Interestingly, the FA-50s dealt a serious blow to China last year when the aircraft defeated the JF-17 which is jointly produced by China and Pakistan, for the ‘much awaited’ Malaysian fighter jet contract. The JF-17 then lost to second-hand F-16 fighters for the Argentine deal.

So, while the aircraft may be a light fighter, it continues to attract interest worldwide and is considered to be a force to reckon with. In September 2022, Poland’s Ministry of National Defense signed a deal to buy 48 FA-50 light attack aircraft from South Korea. The delivery of the light combat aircraft was completed in record time, in under 10 months.

While air combat between a Filipino FA-50 and a Chinese fighter is unlikely, the Philippines’ leadership would be sending a strong signal to Beijing with a potential FA-50 deployment. As Indian Air Force veteran Air Marshal Anil Chopra told the EurAsian Times, “Any such deployment for escort would be aimed at posturing, not combat.”