Malaysia receives first pair of FA-50 light combat aircraft

The Royal Malaysian Air Force received its first two Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50M light combat aircraft at Kuantan Air Base on November 1. The aircraft are the first of 18 ordered under a $920 million contract signed in February 2023 for fighter lead-in training and light combat, replacing capabilities previously provided by Hawk and MB-339CM aircraft. Malaysia’s Block 20 configuration includes a Raytheon PhantomStrike active electronically scanned array radar, an aerial refueling probe and upgraded avionics. Malaysia expects to receive six aircraft by April 2027 and the balance by early 2028.