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As Chinese aggression continues to escalate the Philippines is poised to bolster its air power. The Philippines may soon buy additional fighter jets in the near future. Previously the Philippines was rumored to be interested in purchasing the Tejas fighter aircraft from India. However according to the latest update Manila is currently in negotiations with South Korea to purchase the KF-21 Boramae fighter jets. Who is supplying the fighter jets to the Philippines? According to the South China Morning Post report Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) South Koreas top aerospace producer has noted that it is in talks with the Philippines for the sale of the jets. This announcement was made during a defense expo in South Korea. Many people gathered to attend the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition 2025 at the Seoul Air Base in Seongnam Gyeonggi Province South Korea. On October 19 the South Korean Air Force highlighted the capabilities of the KF-21 Boramae developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). A delegation from the Philippines was among the attendees at the five-day exhibition. The Boramae fighter a 4.5-generation fighter which means hawk in Korean is expected to compete with the Chinese J-10 and FC-31 fighter jets in markets in Asia Africa and the Middle East. The Boramae jet is slated to enter service by the end of next year. How will this purchase impact the balance of air power in the region? KAI displayed its Light Armed Helicopter FA-50 light combat jet and KUH-1 Surion helicopter as well. While attending the event Park Seonhee KAI’s senior manager for international business development (Asia) confirmed to This Week in Asia that the company was engaged in discussions with the Philippines regarding additional prospective acquisitions. “We value the Philippine Air Force – they already operate the FA-50 and recently ordered additional units. We are committed to supporting them in strengthening their capabilities. Their actual combat experience also serves as a strong reference that can be promoted to other countries” Park Seonhee KAI’s senior manager for international business development (Asia) was quoted as saying by South China Morning Post. KAI has been a key provider for the Philippine Air Force aircraft fleet that has had 12 FA-50 fighter jets in its arsenal since they were acquired by Manila in 2014. Earlier this year the Philippines signed a deal for an additional batch of 12 upgraded FA-50 fighter jets. STORY HIGHLIGHTS KAI has been a key provider for the Philippine Air Force aircraft fleet. KAI displayed its Light Armed Helicopter FA-50 light combat jet and KUH-1 Surion helicopter The Philippines was rumored to be interested in purchasing the Tejas fighter aircraft from India. Earlier this year the Philippines signed a deal for an additional batch of 12 upgraded FA-50 fighter jets. Daeseo Park a retired Colonel of the South Korean Air Force who now works as an expert adviser for KAI’s Global Business Division stated that KAI’s performance record is exceptional. “Our strong point is that we can keep the operational rate anytime more than 85 per cent. That means if something happens then your FA-50 is ready to fight anytime anywhere” Park stated.
