The purchase of 18 FA-50 light attack aircraft, worth RM4.08 billion from South Korea has taken into account various factors including the country’s needs involving aspects of strategy, policy and the Defence White Paper.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said that the aspect of expertise in operating the aircraft as well as the country’s current economy were also considered to ensure that the asset could be fully utilised by the national defence industry.
According to Adly, based on the ministry’s assessment, the FA-50 light attack aircraft produced by Korea Aerospace Industries Co (KAI) was the best.
KAI, which is South Korea’s sole aircraft manufacturer on Friday said it has secured a US$920 million (RM4.08bil) contract to sell 18 fighter jets to Malaysia, with the delivery set to begin in 2026.