Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) won a $920 million (1.2 trillion won) bid to export 18 FA-50 light attack aircraft to Malaysia. Delivery of the fighter jets is set to begin in 2026. Malaysia is the fourth Southeast Asian country to import FA-50 fighter jets. The first three are Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. KAI expects to win a deal to provide an additional 18 FA-50 jets to Malaysia as the country plans to strengthen its air force.

KAI signed the deal with Malaysia’s defense ministry to export its fighter jets, beating India’s Tejas, Pakistan’s JF-17, Russia’s MIG-35 and Turkey’s Hurizet.