#block20

The South Korean Press is reporting that the Philippine Government has just signed a Contract for the acquisition of 12 brand new FA-50 Aircraft from the “Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)” Company worth Usd 700 million, and that the Contract includes Logistical Support.

Delivery of all 12 Aircraft is expected to be completed by 2030. You can access the Article at the “Chosunbiz” Website here: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-industry/2025/06/04/P6LVXB6JUZFGXKDQPGFONGGBRQ/

MY THOUGHTS: Previous News Reports say that the Aircraft will be the latest FA-50 Block 20 Version. The Price per Aircraft with this Contract comes down to Usd 58.3 million per Unit, which is a big Jump from the Usd 35 million per Unit when we bought the older Model back in 2014.

But that is probably because we are buying a newer Model, and more Logistical Support is included in the Contract. And the FA-50 has become a lot more popular than we first bought it, so the Supplier has likely raised a bit its Price also.

The South Korean Press recently wrote about their Country's offer of Combat Aircraft to the Philippines, and below are the Highlights:

The Philippines will be acquiring the latest FA-50 Block 20 Version which will have an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar and an Aerial Refueling Capability that will allow it to extend its Range.

The Contract will reportedly be worth Krw 1 trillion, or approximately Usd 677.4 million for a dozen Aircraft, assuming an Exchange Rate of Krw 1,476 for every United States (US) Dollar.

The Article is arguing for their KF-21 Boramae instead of the F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 70 Aircraft since it will have lower Introduction, Operational and Maintenance Cost. It also mentioned how the US might restrict the acquisition and use of Weapons on the F-16C.

MY NOTES: The AESA Radar on the Block 20 will be stealthier than the current Radar that the FA-50PH Fighting Eagle Aircraft the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is using.

The Price of Usd 56.45 million per Aircraft for these Block 20 Versions is a big jump compared to the Usd 35 million we got for the FA-50PH back in 2014, or 11 Years ago. That’s an increase of Usd 21.45 million or over 60%.

Inflation alone won’t explain that big increase in Price, probably it’s because of the additional new Features of the Aircraft. And the PAF might be acquiring better Logistical Support and some Weapons with the Aircraft this time, unlike before.

Here is the Link to the Article at the “Daily Hankooki” Website: https://daily.hankooki.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=1193291