New jets, stronger defence: Malaysia welcomes first FA-50Ms

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia's air defence capabilities are set for a significant boost following the arrival of its first two FA-50M light combat aircraft at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Labuan base today, marking a major milestone in the country's military modernisation programme.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin received the aircraft upon their arrival after they were flown from Sacheon, South Korea, Bernama reported.

However, the arrival does not mark the formal handover of the aircraft, with the official ceremony scheduled to take place in mid-November at RMAF Kuantan Air Base.

Khaled described the arrival as an important step towards strengthening Malaysia's military capabilities and safeguarding national sovereignty, particularly amid evolving regional security challenges.

The acquisition forms part of the RMAF's long-term capability development under its Capability Development Plan 2055, commonly known as CAP55, which aims to modernise the air force and ensure it remains operationally effective in addressing future security challenges.

Malaysia has procured 18 FA-50M aircraft under its Fighter Lead-In Training and Light Combat Aircraft programme, with the new fleet expected to replace the RMAF's ageing Hawk aircraft, which are scheduled for decommissioning in 2028.

Khaled said the RMAF was expected to receive six FA-50M aircraft by April 2027, with the remaining units scheduled for delivery in early 2028.

The government is also considering acquiring a second batch of more advanced fighter aircraft to further strengthen the country's air combat capabilities, although the country of origin for the potential procurement has yet to be decided.

Beyond the acquisition, the arrival of the FA-50Ms is particularly significant for Malaysia's defence posture in Sabah, where the government has been stepping up efforts to improve military readiness, surveillance and its ability to respond to developments in the surrounding region.

Khaled stressed, however, that Malaysia's military strengthening in Sabah was not a direct response to the Philippines' military expansion on Balabac Island in southern Palawan.

He said every country had the right to enhance its defence capabilities, adding that Malaysia's efforts were driven by the need to prepare for possible regional security developments rather than react to the military decisions of its neighbours.

"Every country has the right to strengthen its military capabilities, and Malaysia will do the same. However, our efforts are not a reaction to what the Philippines is doing in its southern region, but part of our preparations to ensure that any escalation of tensions will have minimal impact on Malaysia," he told reporters at the RMAF Labuan base.

The Philippines has been developing military facilities on Balabac Island, which has been designated as a site for military cooperation accessible to United States forces.

Meanwhile, Khaled said the Defence Ministry would determine how many FA-50M aircraft would be stationed in Labuan following the retirement of the Hawk fleet in 2028.

"Once the Hawk aircraft are phased out in 2028, we will determine how many FA-50M aircraft will be stationed at the Labuan air base," he said.

He added that the government had approved the installation of new radar systems in Sabah, including on Layang-Layang Island, to improve airspace surveillance and early-warning capabilities.

The ministry would also increase military personnel in Sabah, where more than 10,000 troops are currently stationed, while the development of additional military camps would further strengthen the armed forces' operational readiness.

The FA-50M is a two-seat aircraft capable of supporting pilot training and a range of operational missions. It can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.2, allowing it to fly faster than the speed of sound and operate at high altitudes.

To support the introduction of the new fleet, 57 core personnel comprising six pilots, six engineering officers and 45 technicians have completed specialised training in South Korea.

All six pilots in the initial training group completed their flight training programme on Oct 21.

Khaled said the aircraft would be operated by No. 15 Squadron, which has more than 200 personnel, with preparations for its operational base centred at RMAF Kuantan.

The introduction of the FA-50M fleet is expected to strengthen the RMAF's combat training and light fighter capabilities while providing a more modern platform as Malaysia gradually replaces its ageing aircraft and builds towards its longer-term defence requirements. - October 30, 2026

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