The Royal Malaysian Air Force has announced the delivery of the first two of 18 ordered FA-50M Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft…
The FA-50M Fighting Eagle will replace the Hawk-108/208 fleet currently in service with the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Deliveries of all 18 FA-50M Fighting Eagle aircraft are expected to be completed by 2028.
Under a $920 million contract signed with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the FA-50M Fighting Eagle aircraft are being equipped with an AESA radar, an aerial refueling system, conformal fuel tanks and upgraded avionics.
Based on the FA-50 Block 20 configuration, the aircraft are being tailored to the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s requirements, including aerial refueling capability and an expanded range of weapons.
The FA-50M Fighting Eagle will be capable of carrying GBU-38 JDAM and GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, as well as AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles.
The aircraft will also feature the Link 16 Block 2 data link upgrade and be compatible with the Lockheed Martin Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP)…