First two FA-50M fighter jets arrive at Kuantan airbase

Two Korean-made FA-50M light combat aircraft have arrived at the Kuantan airbase from Sacheon, after a ferry flight flown by the manufacturer’s pilots, with the commander and executive office of the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s No 15 Squadron on board.

The aircraft left South Korea on Oct 29 and made transit stops in Jeju, Laoag in the Philippines, and Labuan.

The FA-50M aircraft M58-01 was piloted by KAI pilot Lee Donkyu, together with No 15 Squadron commanding officer Major Jamil Awang, while aircraft M58-02 was piloted by Kim Inchul, together with No 15 Squadron executive officer Major Ashraf Wahab, Bernama reported.

The two aircraft will undergo the final tests by the air force before official acceptance at the end of November, the air force said in a statement.

Malaysia has ordered 18 FA-50M (Block 20) aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries for nearly RM4 billion. The aircraft will serve as lead-in fighter trainers and light combat jets to replace the ageing BAE Hawk fleet, which is scheduled for full retirement by 2028.

Six aircraft are expected by April, with the remaining units to be delivered in stages through early 2028. The FA-50M will be operated by No 15 Squadron based at RMAF Kuantan.