The Egyptian Ambassador to South Korea, Khaled Abdelrahman, stated that negotiations between Egypt and South Korea concerning the export of FA-50 Fighting Eagle light attack aircraft and anti-tank missiles were proceeding positively, The Korea Daily reported.
In an interview conducted at the Egyptian Embassy in Seoul, he described the talks as moving in a hopeful direction and referenced broader strategic cooperation between the two countries. The Ambassador emphasized that Korea’s defense technology could play a role in Egypt’s strategy to develop domestic industrial capabilities, particularly through the localization of production.
Current export discussions are said to be in the final stages, with an initial order of 36 FA-50 Fighting Eagle light attack aircraft under consideration and the possibility of future additional procurement.
This statement followed a February 2025 visit to Egypt by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Commissioner Seok Jong-gun, who led a delegation of South Korean defense companies as part of efforts to expand exports. This year marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Egypt and South Korea, with the Ambassador also identifying energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation as additional sectors for cooperation. Egypt is offering incentives to attract South Korean investment in renewable energy, smart cities, and transportation.
Interest in FA-50 acquisition by Egypt emerged more clearly after the August 3, 2022 Pyramids Air Show, during which the Republic of Korea Air Force’s Black Eagles aerobatic team conducted a flight performance over the pyramids - the first by a foreign flight team at that location, Army Recognition reported.
According to South Korean sources, Egypt has been pursuing an advanced trainer aircraft procurement project, with a target selection date in 2023. The total number of aircraft under consideration is estimated at approximately 70.
Italy has proposed delivering 20 M-346s, though it is not confirmed if this figure aligns with the Egyptian project. The Italian proposal may be related to a separate Eurofighter package involving 24 aircraft.
Egypt currently operates 40 Alpha Jets acquired in the 1970s and 117 K-8Es from China. A procurement of 70 new aircraft would be consistent with replacing all Alpha Jets and part of the K-8E fleet. Some South Korean media reports previously suggested a possible requirement of 100 aircraft, referencing the replacement of Mirage V and Mirage 2000 fighters. However, Egypt ordered 30 Rafales in 2021, which are expected to fulfill that role.
Further developments took place in September 2022 when a YouTube video by Egyptian defense channel Milduck mentioned the possible joint production of KAI’s KA-1 aircraft in Egypt. In November 2022, the defense news outlet Over Defense reported an agreement between Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Egypt to manufacture FA-50 aircraft domestically.
On January 16, 2023, Egypt’s Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) and KAI reportedly formalized an agreement to produce the FA-50 in Egypt. Current export discussions are said to be in final stages, with an initial order of 36 aircraft under consideration and the possibility of future additional procurement.
The FA-50 Fighting Eagle has been presented as a candidate in Egypt’s advanced trainer acquisition program. While the Chinese L-15 and Italy’s M-346 are reportedly less expensive, Egypt operates a fleet of 208 F-16s, the fourth largest globally, and the FA-50 shares over 70% parts commonality with the F-16. This compatibility offers potential advantages in logistics, maintenance, and supply chains. Egypt’s trainer aircraft inventory currently includes models from multiple countries - Brazil, China, and Europe - creating logistical fragmentation. By selecting the FA-50, Egypt could streamline maintenance and reduce operational costs. Although its acquisition price is comparatively higher, total lifecycle costs are considered lower.
The Block 20 version of the FA-50 includes performance enhancements that bring its capabilities close to those of the F-16C/D, excluding top speed. If the Egyptian contract is finalized in 2025 and combined with existing orders from Poland (48 units) and Malaysia (18 units), production volumes could increase, leading to potential reductions in unit cost. Should Malaysia proceed with plans to procure an additional 18 units, total production could exceed 66 units between 2023 and 2028.
Egypt operates a fleet of 208 F-16s, the fourth largest globally, and the FA-50 shares over 70% parts commonality with the F-16, which offers potential advantages in logistics, maintenance, and supply chains.
The FA-50 is a two-seat, supersonic light attack aircraft developed by Korea Aerospace Industries in partnership with Lockheed Martin. It is based on the T-50 Golden Eagle trainer developed under the KTX-2 program. (Army Recognition; The Korea Daily; Milduck/YouTube; File Photo: FA-50 Fighting Eagle Light Attack Aircraft © KAI)
