Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup joined a contract signing ceremony for South Korea’s export of FA-50 light attack aircraft to Malaysia during a visit to the Southeast Asian country Tuesday, calling the deal a “crucial” opportunity to elevate the bilateral defense partnership.
The ceremony came after Lee and his Malaysian counterpart, Mohamad Hasan, held talks on bilateral defense and arms industry cooperation earlier in the day. Lee was in Malaysia to attend the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in the country.
“Lee assessed that the export of FA-50 fighters to Malaysia served as a crucial chance to elevate the two countries’ defense and arms industry cooperation, and expressed our government’s interest and will for support regarding bilateral defense industry cooperation,” the ministry said in a press release.
In February, Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), South Korea’s sole aircraft manufacturer, signed a letter of acceptance with Malaysia to supply 18 FA-50 aircraft. Tuesday’s ceremony marked the signing of a final contract on the export, according to the ministry.