By Tae-jun Kang
Rapidly emerging as a regional arms supplier, South Korea sees benefits in both jobs and security.
Philippines has recently signed a deal in which it will acquire 12 FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea in an attempt to bolster its military power.
The deal between South Korea and the Philippines was signed on March 28 at an event in Manila attended by high-level officials from both countries.
With this deal, the Philippines will import a total of 12 fighter jets from South Korea by 2017, and South Korea is expected to make over $400 million.
“The fresh acquisition will draw the force closer to its goal of achieving a minimum credible defense capability,” Philippine Air Force spokesman Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said after the deal was made.
The Philippines is not the first country to look to South Korea for fighter jets: Seoul has previously completed sales to Indonesia and Iraq, in 2011 and 2013 respectively.
With more and more countries deciding to purchase arms from South Korea, it is emerging as one of Asia’s arms exporting powerhouses.
Read the full story at The Diplomat