The Royal Malaysian Air Force has taken delivery of its first FA-50M light combat aircraft. The jet, bearing tail number M58-01, touched down at Labuan Air Base on October 30, 2026, during a transit stop before heading to its permanent home at Kuantan Air Base in Pahang. Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin witnessed the arrival, which was escorted by RMAF Hawk, F/A-18D Hornet, and Su-30MKM aircraft.
Malaysia acquires eighteen fighter jets from South Korea
The aircraft is the first of 18 FA-50M Block 20 jets ordered by Malaysia from Korea Aerospace Industries. Korea Aerospace Industries initially valued the deal at $920 million when announced in February 2023, while Malaysian officials place the contract value at nearly RM4 billion. The formal procurement contract was signed in May 2023 by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence and the South Korean manufacturer based in Sacheon.
The Malaysian variant includes specific performance upgrades. The FA-50M adds aerial refueling capabilities and expanded weapons options compared to earlier models. The aircraft carries RTX’s PhantomStrike active electronically scanned array radar, a feature shared with the FA-50PL jets ordered by Poland. The airframe features wiring for the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod to support day and night surveillance.
Technical glitch delays second fighter jet delivery
While the first jet arrived on schedule, a technical issue delayed its companion aircraft. Speaking at Labuan Air Base, Khaled announced that the second jet was held back by a technical glitch but is expected to arrive in Malaysia before November 1, 2026.
The remaining aircraft will arrive in phases. Khaled stated that the RMAF expects to operate six FA-50Ms by April 2027, with the final jets delivered in early 2028. This aligns with a schedule published by the RMAF in June 2026 indicating deliveries would run in stages until March 2028. A formal handover ceremony for the initial arrivals is scheduled for mid-November 2026 at Kuantan Air Base.
Air force positions new fleet across two bases
No. 15 Squadron at Kuantan Air Base will operate the new fleet. Khaled stated that the squadron currently comprises more than 200 personnel. Among them, 57 core personnel—including six pilots, six engineering officers, and 45 technicians—completed their training in South Korea. All six pilots finished their flight training on October 21, 2026.
The RMAF plans to distribute the 18 aircraft between two strategic locations. Jets will be stationed at Kuantan Air Base on the Malay Peninsula and Labuan Air Base off the coast of Sabah on Borneo, effectively positioning assets on both sides of the South China Sea. However, the precise number of aircraft assigned to Labuan remains undecided. Khaled noted that the final allocation for Labuan will be determined after the RMAF retires its older fleet.
New fighter jets pave the way for hawk retirement
The arrival of the South Korean-made jets directly facilitates the retirement of legacy platforms. Khaled confirmed that the FA-50M induction paves the way for phasing out the RMAF’s BAE Hawk 108 and Hawk 208 fleet in 2028.
Looking further ahead, the RMAF’s Capability Development Plan 2055 outlines a requirement for 36 light combat aircraft, double the size of the current 18-jet order. Khaled stated that officials have not yet decided whether a potential second batch will consist of more FA-50M aircraft or a different platform, leaving the final choice to the air force.
Did you know?
The Malaysian variant of the FA-50 is designated as the FA-50M Block 20. It incorporates active electronically scanned array radar technology typically found on advanced multirole combat aircraft.
Frequently Asked Questions About the FA-50M Program
Which squadron will operate the new FA-50M aircraft?
No. 15 Squadron, stationed at Kuantan Air Base, will operate the newly delivered light combat jets. Fifty-seven core personnel for the squadron completed training in South Korea.
What radar system is installed on the Malaysian FA-50M jets?
The aircraft are equipped with RTX’s PhantomStrike active electronically scanned array radar. This hardware mirrors the radar configuration selected for Poland’s FA-50PL fleet.
When will the BAE Hawk fleet be retired?
The RMAF plans to retire its BAE Hawk 108 and Hawk 208 aircraft in 2028 as the new FA-50M deliveries are completed.
How many total light combat aircraft does Malaysia plan to acquire long-term?
Under the Capability Development Plan 2055, the RMAF aims to field 36 light combat aircraft. The Ministry of Defence has not yet determined if a second order of 18 jets will consist of more FA-50Ms or an alternative type.
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