Malaysia says first two FA-50M jets on track for October delivery to Kuantan

Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said in October 2026 that the Royal Malaysian Air Force expects to receive its first FA-50M light combat aircraft this month or next, with no delays reported by Korea Aerospace Industries. The RMAF chief had earlier set the first two aircraft for October 2026, with the remaining jets of the 18-aircraft order arriving in stages through March 2028, later than KAI's original mid-2027 schedule. The jets will be based with No. 15 Squadron at Kuantan Air Base, whose upgraded facilities were reported more than 90 percent complete in June; the first two Malaysian pilots finish conversion training in October and four more in December. Malaysia holds an option for 18 additional FA-50Ms. As of October 20 no arrival ceremony had been reported.