LABUAN: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has received the first FA-50M light combat aircraft acquired by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), marking an important milestone in the country's efforts to strengthen its air defence capabilities.
The aircraft, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), arrived on Friday (Oct 30) at the Labuan RMAF base, after being flown from Sacheon, Republic of Korea.
"The official handover ceremony is scheduled to take place in mid-November at RMAF Kuantan Air Base,” he told reporters at the Labuan RMAF base here.
Khaled described the acquisition as a significant moment for the country in enhancing its military capabilities and safeguarding national sovereignty.
He said the acquisition also supported the RMAF's long-term capability development under its Capability Development Plan 2055, commonly known as CAP55.
He said the government would also consider acquiring a second batch of more modern and advanced fighter aircraft to further strengthen the country's air defence capabilities, although the country of origin for future procurement has yet to be determined.
"The 18 FA-50M aircraft were procured under Malaysia's Fighter Lead-In Training and Light Combat Aircraft programme, following the planned decommissioning of the RMAF's Hawk aircraft in 2028,” he said.
Khaled said RMAF was expected to receive a total of six FA-50M aircraft by April 2027, with the remaining units scheduled for delivery in early 2028.
He said the ministry would determine the number of FA-50M aircraft to be based in Labuan following the decommissioning of the Hawk aircraft.
The FA-50M is a two-seat aircraft capable of supporting crewed flight training as well as demanding operational missions.
It can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.2, enabling it to fly faster than the speed of sound and operate at high altitudes.
Meanwhile, 57 core personnel comprising six pilots, six engineering officers and 45 technicians have completed their training in the Republic of Korea to spearhead the new squadron.
All six pilots in the initial training group completed their flight training programme on Oct 21.
Mohamed Khaled said the aircraft would be operated by No. 15 Squadron, which already has more than 200 personnel, with preparations for its home base centred at the RMAF Kuantan Air Base. – Bernama
