Singapore Airshow 2026: KAI moves to boost Malaysia's FA-50 package with proposed BVR capability integration

A model of the FA-50 on display at Singapore Airshow 2026. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is seeking to reinforce its position in Malaysia's light combat aircraft programme by proposing to integrate beyond-visual-range (BVR) capability on the planned second batch of FA‑50s.

A KAI representative who spoke to Janes at Singapore Airshow 2026 said the offer is part of wider efforts to sweeten the deal for the Malaysian government as it progresses towards the long‑anticipated acquisition of an additional 18 FA‑50s.

The possibility for this second batch was first acknowledged by KAI in 2023, when the company said Malaysia had approved the follow‑on procurement shortly after signing a USD920 million contract for an initial 18 aircraft in February that year.

At the time, KAI indicated that formalisation of the second contract was expected to follow in due course.

Malaysia's first 18 FA‑50 Block 20s will be equipped with Raytheon's PhantomStrike active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, enabling long‑range target detection and compatibility with a wider suite of Western weapons. Initial deliveries are expected to take place in 2026.

The FA‑50 is already in service with Indonesia, Iraq, the Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand, and KAI has said that additional interest has emerged from operators in the Middle East and Latin America.

This article, originally published on 6 February 2026, has been updated with new information.

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