The South Korean government is reportedly in the final phase of negotiations for the sale of new KAI FA-50 light fighters to the Egyptian Air Force, along with a batch of anti-tank missiles. This news was revealed by the current Egyptian Ambassador to South Korea, who highlighted in an interview with The Korea Daily that the talks are progressing positively.
The reported progress traces back to 2022, when Egypt expressed interest in manufacturing KAI T-50 advanced trainer aircraft. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the state-owned Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to modernize part of Egypt’s training aircraft fleet, particularly focusing on replacing the Aero L-59 aircraft acquired in the mid-1990s. Over the years, Egypt moved forward with a selection process for an advanced trainer aircraft, planning to acquire 70 new planes.
In 2023, the process advanced with an agreement between Egypt’s AOI and KAI for FA-50 production in Egypt. As part of efforts to consolidate this project, in February 2025, the commissioner of South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Seok Jong-gun, visited Egypt alongside a delegation of local defense companies to strengthen the exports of South Korea’s defense industry.
The KAI FA-50 was reportedly selected over other candidates evaluated by the Egyptian Air Force due to its ease of maintenance and lower operational costs. According to the Egyptian diplomat, negotiations are in their final stage, with an initial order of 36 FA-50 Fighting Eagle aircraft under consideration, along with additional purchase options.
Furthermore, interest has been placed on the FA-50 Block 20 version, which features enhancements in weaponry and avionics, bringing it closer in capability to the F-16C/D currently operated by the Egyptian Air Force. If finalized, this new order would join previous deals secured with Poland (48 units) and Malaysia (18 units).
Finally, this potential agreement would add to other defense contracts between both nations, such as Egypt’s acquisition of K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers manufactured by Hanwha Aerospace. Signed in 2022, this contract includes the local production of hundreds of units in Egypt for coastal defense and naval strike missions. Additionally, these vehicles will be equipped with South Korean-developed engines, further reinforcing the growing defense cooperation between the two countries.
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