Malaysia to take delivery of its first two FA-50M Block 20 jets on October 30; six due by year-end and talks on a second batch of 18 expected

Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin told the Dewan Rakyat during the budget debate on October 26, 2026 that the Royal Malaysian Air Force will receive its first two FA-50M Block 20 light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries on Friday, October 30, strengthening Malaysia's air combat capability. The jets are the first deliveries under the 4 billion ringgit (about 1.3 trillion won) contract for 18 aircraft signed with KAI in May 2023; six are to arrive by the end of 2026 and the remaining 12 by March 2028. Kuantan Air Base in Pahang will be the main operating base, with some aircraft stationed at Labuan in Sabah for air defense duties. Malaysia is reported to be weighing a second purchase of 18 more FA-50Ms under its CAP55 modernisation plan, with negotiations expected to open, and KAI has offered beyond-visual-range air-to-air capability including AMRAAM integration to expand the aircraft's combat role.