The Yonhap news agency quoted a statement from Korea Aerospace Industries Co as saying it had signed the deal with Malaysia’s defence ministry, Bernama reported.

FMT has sought confirmation from the defence ministry.

The company said deliveries of 18 FA-50 light attack aircraft were set to begin in 2026, the report said.

Other aircraft which had been considered by the air force were India’s Tejas, Pakistan’s JF-17, Russia’s MIG-35 and Turkey’s Hurizet.

The Malaysian deal if confirmed would mark the fourth contract KAI has signed with a Southeast Asian country after Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, in addition to deals with such countries as Iraq, Poland, Peru and Senegal.

The company said it expects to supply another 18 FA-50s to Malaysia, according to the report.