Malaysia’s first FA-50M jets arrive at Kuantan base for final acceptance tests

The Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) first FA-50M light combat aircraft from South Korea arrives at Labuan Air Base on October 30, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 02 Nov 2026 9:11 AM MYT

KUANTAN, Nov 2 — Two FA-50M aircraft arrived at the airbase here yesterday, marking the first delivery of the 18 aircraft to be acquired by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) from Korea Aerospace Industries.

According to a post on the RMAF’s Facebook page, the aircraft departed Labuan Air Base at 1.45pm and landed at the Kuantan Airbase at 3.38pm, witnessed by Chief of Air Force General Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris.

Both aircraft departed from Sacheon, South Korea, on October 29 before making several transit stops in Jeju, Laoag in the Philippines, and Labuan.

The FA-50M aircraft M58-01 was piloted by KAI pilot Lee Donkyu, together with No. 15 Squadron Commanding Officer Major Mohd Jamil Awang, while aircraft M58-02 was piloted by Kim Inchul, together with No. 15 Squadron Executive Officer Major Muhammad Ashraf Wahab.

“Both aircraft will subsequently undergo the Final Acceptance Test process by the RMAF before their official acceptance, which is expected to take place at the end of November 2026,” the post said.

Also present to witness the historic occasion were Deputy Chief of Air Force Lieutenant General Datuk Seri Nur Hafis Abdul Karim, Air Education and Training Commander Lieutenant General Datuk Mohd Sani Omar, and Air Support Commander Major General Datuk Ahmad Khusairi Ahmad Fadli.

Previously, it was reported that the aircraft would be operated by No. 15 Squadron, which currently has more than 200 personnel, with preparations for its operational deployment focused at the RMAF Kuantan Air Base. — Bernama