Cairo’s discussions with Seoul regarding the acquisition of up to 100 FA-50 light attack aircraft have reached an advanced stage, as confirmed by an Egyptian diplomatic official. Khaled Abdelrahman, Egypt’s Ambassador to South Korea, shared insights into the negotiations, highlighting that after months of dialogue, the countries are on a positive trajectory concerning a preliminary order of 36 aircraft.
Abdelrahman expressed optimism about the ongoing technical and detailed discussions between Egyptian institutions and Korean firms, hoping for a successful resolution to the talks. Egypt’s interest in the FA-50 light attack aircraft reportedly took flight after the Pyramids Air Show in August 2022, where the South Korean Black Eagles aerobatic team showcased their skills over one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
Following this event, Egypt initiated its advanced trainer aircraft project, initially eyeing a purchase of 70 aircraft but now considering the potential expansion of the order to 100 units. The completion of this deal is poised to elevate Egypt’s aviation capabilities while simultaneously fortifying the diplomatic and strategic ties between Cairo and Seoul.
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has acknowledged that negotiations with Egypt for the procurement and technology transfer (ToT) of the FA-50 light combat aircraft are ongoing. KAI’s CEO indicated that Egypt is expected to select a preferred bidder for its future light combat aircraft by next year, with projections for the export of units varying from 36 to 100.
The FA-50, developed by KAI, is a two-seat, supersonic light attack aircraft stemming from the T-50 jet trainer platform. It is celebrated for its blend of advanced training attributes and strong combat capabilities, making it a dual-purpose asset suitable for pilot training and air-to-ground combat missions. The aircraft boasts impressive specifications, reaching a maximum speed of Mach 1.5 (approximately 1,850 kilometers or 1,150 miles per hour) and possessing a range of 2,592 kilometers (1,611 miles).
Positioned as a frontrunner in Egypt’s advanced trainer acquisition initiative, the FA-50 is competing against China’s L-15 and Italy’s M-346. While the alternatives from China and Italy present a more budget-friendly option, the FA-50 possesses a notable advantage: it shares 70% of its parts with the F-16, which is already operational within the Egyptian Air Force. This commonality not only eases logistics and maintenance but also streamlines supply chain operations.
Following their anticipated delivery, the FA-50s are expected to modernize Egypt’s air fleet by replacing the aging Alpha Jets and a portion of its Chinese-made K-8E trainers, thus providing a more capable solution for both training and combat scenarios.
