Contract includes technology transfer and local assembly; it will be the largest export by KAI if confirmed
Egypt and South Korea are close to finalizing a record deal for the acquisition of up to 100 light attack aircraft FA-50 Fighting Eagle.
The information was confirmed by the Egyptian ambassador to South Korea, Khaled Abdelrahman, who highlighted that the negotiations are in the final stage.
The agreement includes not only the purchase of the aircraft but also the technology transfer and local production of most of the jets at the Helwan factory in Egypt.
The project is the result of a memorandum signed in early 2022 between the Arab Organization for Industrialization of Egypt and Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI), with the goal of localizing the production of the T-50/FA-50 Golden Eagle in the African country.
According to official sources, the first 36 fighters will be delivered for approximately US$ 1 billion, while the remaining 70 will be assembled locally.
The FA-50, derived from the supersonic trainer T-50, shares about 70% of its components with the F-16, which makes it easier for pilots to adapt and reduces logistical costs.
In addition to its training capabilities, the FA-50 is equipped to carry out missions against ground and naval targets, providing Egypt with a versatile and modern platform.
If realized, the deal will represent the largest export ever made by KAI and the first major contract for the company in North Africa. The light fighter has already been acquired by countries like Poland, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Iraq.
The Egyptian Air Force has been looking for years to replace its outdated training jets, such as the L-39, Alpha Jet, and K-8E Karakorum.
For Egypt, the project represents not only the modernization of its air fleet but also a strategic step in developing its national defense industry and future export capabilities.
Photos: Wikimedia. Source: DefenceWeb. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
