KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has received its first FA-50M light combat aircraft from South Korea, marking a significant step in strengthening the country's air defence capabilities.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the aircraft was part of an 18-unit procurement deal signed with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in 2023.
He said only one of the two aircraft scheduled to arrive today would be delivered due to technical issues, while the second aircraft was expected to arrive as early as tomorrow.
"The two aircraft departed South Korea yesterday and transited through the Philippines. However, due to technical issues, only one arrived today.
"The other aircraft may be delivered tomorrow," he told reporters after witnessing the arrival of the aircraft at Labuan Air Base on Friday (Oct 30).
The aircraft made a transit stop in Labuan before continuing its journey to Kuantan Air Base.
Mohamed Khaled said Malaysia was expected to receive six FA-50M aircraft by April 2027, with the full delivery of all 18 units scheduled for March 2028.
He said the new aircraft would replace the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) ageing Hawk aircraft, which are scheduled to be decommissioned in 2028.
The FA-50M serves as both an advanced fighter pilot training aircraft and a light combat aircraft capable of carrying out air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
He said preparations for the aircraft's operations had already begun, including the deployment of personnel, pilots, engineering and operational teams.
Of the 209 personnel required for the squadron, 127 had been in place so far, with the remaining positions to be filled in stages as the aircraft were delivered.
"The aircraft will operate under No. 15 Squadron," he added.
Mohamed Khaled described the acquisition as a historic development, saying the FA-50M featured improved capabilities and the latest variants of equipment compared with aircraft previously operated by the country.
He added that the aircraft were equipped with modern systems to support various operational requirements.
On whether Malaysia would procure additional fighter jets, he said the government would consider a second batch after evaluating the performance and operational suitability of the aircraft.
"We will assess the aircraft, carry out testing and determine whether further enhancements are needed. If we are satisfied, we will certainly have a second batch.
"We have a need for additional aircraft of this type, and procurement will be undertaken. However, whether we acquire the same model or another type will be determined by the RMAF," he said.
On strengthening security in Sabah, particularly along the east coast, Mohamed Khaled said Malaysia's efforts to enhance its defence capabilities were not a reaction to the Philippines' military build-up but part of a broader national security strategy.
He said every country had the right to strengthen its own defence capabilities, adding that Malaysia would continue doing so to safeguard its sovereignty and security.
"We cannot be certain that rising tensions in the region would not have an impact on Malaysia. That is why strengthening our defence and security capabilities remains a priority," he said.
Among the measures being considered were determining the deployment of fighter aircraft in Sabah following the retirement of the Hawk fleet, acquiring new coastal radars and establishing air defence radar systems in Sabah and Labuan, he said.
"The government will also increase military personnel in Sabah, where about 10,000 personnel are currently stationed.
"Existing military camps would also be upgraded, while new camps would be developed to further strengthen the country's defence presence in the state," he said.
