The Philippines is in Talks with KAI to Acquire KF-21 Borame Fighter Jets

29 Oktober 2025

KF-21 fighter jet on ADEX sortie (photo: parksunhaaa)

TSAMTO -- Philippine authorities have begun negotiations with the South Korean company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) on the acquisition of KF-21 Boramae multirole fighter jets.

According to the South China Morning Post, the talks took place immediately after the 2025 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX-2025), where KAI unveiled the KF-21.

During the event, held from October 19 to 24 at Seongnam Air Base, KAI also showcased the FA-50 light combat aircraft, the KUH-1 Surion multirole helicopter, and the LAH light attack helicopter. Since 2014, the South Korean company has delivered 12 FA-50s to the Philippine Air Force, and earlier this year, Manila ordered an additional 12 modernized aircraft of this type.

As a reminder, on April 1, 2025, the US State Department approved the potential sale to the Philippines of 16 F-16C Block 70/72 and four F-16D Block 70/72 fighters, as well as other associated equipment and services, under the Foreign Military Sales program. The total value of the order could reach $5.58 billion. However, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez later acknowledged that the proposed price was too high.

South Korea's push to expand aerospace exports comes amid broader efforts to make Seoul one of the world's top four defense exporters, with Southeast Asia emerging as a key target market for South Korea.

(TSAMTO)