KOTA TINGGI, Nov 14 — Malaysia is expected to receive all 18 FA-50M light combat aircraft from South Korea by March 2028 to strengthen the country’s air defence capabilities.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said two aircraft had been delivered so far, while another four were scheduled to arrive in April next year, ahead of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2027.

The remaining 12 aircraft are expected to be delivered by March 2028, completing the procurement.

“All the aircraft will be based in Kuantan, Pahang, while their subsequent deployment will be considered after the Hawk aircraft are decommissioned,” he told reporters after the Madani Adopted School handover ceremony at Sekolah Kebangsaan Panchor here today.

Malaysia signed a contract with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in 2023 to procure 18 FA-50M aircraft for nearly RM4 billion under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

The aircraft will replace the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) ageing Hawk fleet and serve as advanced training aircraft for fighter pilots, as well as carry out light combat missions. — Bernama