Malaysia has received its first two FA-50M light combat aircraft, with the jets arriving at Kuantan Air Base on November 1 as part of the country’s acquisition of 18 aircraft from South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).
The aircraft departed Labuan Air Base at 1.45 pm and landed in Kuantan at 3.38 pm, according to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). Their arrival was witnessed by Chief of Air Force General Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris and other senior military officials.
The two aircraft, identified as M58-01 and M58-02, departed from Sacheon in South Korea on October 29. They made transit stops in Jeju, the Philippines and Labuan before reaching Malaysia.
The first aircraft was piloted by KAI pilot Lee Donkyu alongside No. 15 Squadron commanding officer Major Mohd Jamil Awang. The second was flown by Kim Inchul and Major Muhammad Ashraf Wahab, the squadron’s executive officer.
Both aircraft will undergo final acceptance testing by the RMAF before formal acceptance, expected by the end of November.
Malaysia ordered 18 FA-50M aircraft under a contract with KAI to modernise its air force and strengthen operational capabilities. The jets are expected to be operated by No. 15 Squadron at Kuantan Air Base, where preparations for their deployment are under way.
The delivery marks a major milestone in Malaysia’s military aviation modernisation programme. The FA-50M is designed for combat and training roles, offering the RMAF an upgraded platform for air operations.
