An Egyptian diplomatic official has confirmed that Cairo is in advanced talks with South Korea for the purchase of up to 100 FA-50 light attack aircraft.
Egyptian Ambassador to Seoul, Khaled Abdelrahman, stated that discussions between the two countries are progressing positively after months of negotiations for an initial order of 36 aircraft.
“We hope the technical and detailed discussions between our institutions and Korean firms will lead to a successful outcome,” Abdelrahman said.
Egypt’s interest in the FA-50 reportedly began after the August 2022 Pyramids Air Show, where South Korea’s Black Eagles aerobatic team performed over the pyramids.
Since then, Cairo has been pursuing an advanced trainer aircraft project, initially considering 70 aircraft, with the possibility of expanding the order to 100.
Once finalized, the deal is expected to enhance Egypt’s aviation capabilities and strengthen strategic ties between Cairo and Seoul.
A ‘Practical’ Choice
Developed by Korea Aerospace Industries, the FA-50 is a two-seat, supersonic light attack aircraft derived from the renowned T-50 jet trainer.
It combines advanced training features with robust combat capabilities, making it ideal for both pilot training and air-to-ground combat missions.