Egypt is on the verge of finalising a landmark defence agreement with South Korea for the acquisition of up to 100 FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft, marking one of the most significant aerospace procurements in the country’s modern history.

The deal, currently in advanced negotiations, is set to include substantial technology transfer and local assembly, with approximately 70 of the aircraft to be produced at Egypt’s Helwan facility under a partnership between Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Egypt’s Arab Organisation for Industrialisation (AOI).

The FA-50, a versatile multirole fighter developed by KAI with technical support from Lockheed Martin, shares about 70% of its systems and components with the F-16, which is already the backbone of the Egyptian Air Force.

This high degree of commonality is expected to simplify maintenance, training, and logistics for Egyptian personnel, ensuring a smooth transition and reducing overall lifecycle costs. The FA-50 is designed to serve both as a light combat aircraft and an advanced jet trainer, and it is equipped with modern avionics, NATO-compatible datalinks, and a range of precision-guided munitions, making it suitable for roles such as air policing, border patrol, and precision strike missions.

The procurement is expected to begin with an initial batch of 36 aircraft, valued at around $1 billion, with the remainder to follow as Egypt phases out its aging Alpha Jets and K-8E trainers.

This move is seen as a strategic step to modernise Egypt’s air force and expand its domestic aerospace industry, while also deepening military-industrial ties with South Korea—a relationship that has grown steadily since a 2016 comprehensive cooperation agreement between the two nations.

Previous milestones in this partnership include Egypt’s acquisition of South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzers and a Pohang-class corvette, as well as major South Korean investments in Egypt’s civilian infrastructure and energy sectors.

The FA-50 deal is not just about military hardware; it represents a broader strategic pivot for Egypt towards East Asian defence cooperation and industrial modernisation. For South Korea,

Egypt offers an entry point into Middle Eastern and African markets, while for Egypt, the partnership provides access to advanced technology, industrial know-how, and a model for economic development. 

If finalised, the agreement will further solidify Egypt’s position as a leading military power in the region and a key partner for South Korea’s expanding global defence industry.

Agencies