In a significant development, the Philippines has recently placed an order for South Korean FA-50 fighter jets, rejecting the bid of the Indian-made Tejas aircraft for its Air Force.
In 2024, India submitted a bid for the Philippines’ tender to acquire 40 fighter jets, offering its locally made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A.
The deal was estimated to be worth between $5 billion to $7 billion as India made an unsuccessful attempt to export its locally made jet.
Among the Indian Tejas bid, other strong competitors like US-made F-16, Sweden’s Gripen-E, French Rafale, and South Korean jets were present.
Indian media had for years boasted about its locally produced Tejas aircraft; however, the reality told a different tale.
The Tejas aircraft is produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force; however, it faces a myriad of controversies, from slow production to operational failures and corruption allegations.
During the recent clashes between India and Pakistan, Indian jingoist media and users boasted much about the HAL Tejas against Pakistan.
In contrast, Pakistan made JF-17 aircraft has outperformed locally made fighter jets by being battle-tested and getting a huge export order from Azerbaijan recently.
Meanwhile, the Philippines’ defense department sealed the order for 12 FA-50 light combat aircraft in a $700 million package with Korea Aerospace Industries. The Philippines rejected the Indian Tejas aircraft.
According to details, 12 South Korean fighter jets are set to arrive in the Philippines around 2030.
The Philippines has actively purchased frigates, corvettes, aircraft, and weapons from South Korean defense firms to modernize its armed forces. The Philippines was South Korea’s second-largest global customer until 2021.
