World military today (June 5): Russia offers to supply Su-57E to...

* Philippines buys 12 FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea

The Philippines has signed an agreement to purchase 12 more FA-50 light fighters from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), marking a major step in boosting the country's air defense capabilities, Bulgarian Military reported.

This is South Korea’s second FA-50 export contract, demonstrating the country’s growing influence in the global arms market. Previously, in 2014, the Philippines also ordered 12 FA-50s.

FA-50 light fighter. Photo: KAI

The FA-50 is a multirole light fighter developed by KAI from the T-50 Golden Eagle trainer. With its reasonable cost and versatility, this aircraft model is an attractive choice for countries with limited defense budgets.

Equipped with a General Electric F404-GE-102 engine, the aircraft can reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.5 and a combat range of about 463km. With the ability to carry a payload of up to 4.5 tons, the aircraft can deploy a variety of weapons, including AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles and JDAM guided bombs.

Compared to older platforms like the Northrop F-5, which the Philippines retired in 2005, the FA-50 excels in modern avionics and multi-mission capabilities, serving as a cost-effective bridge between aging fighters and more advanced platforms like the F-16 or Saab Gripen. The FA-50’s design emphasizes adaptability, allowing it to undertake missions such as air defense, close air support, reconnaissance, and advanced pilot training.

* US Navy orders AIM-9X-4 Block II missiles

According to information released by the US Department of Defense , Raytheon, a company of RTX Group, has signed a major contract with the US Navy to produce a new batch of AIM-9X-4 Block II AUR air-to-air missiles.

The contract includes 492 missiles for the Navy, 456 for the Air Force and 808 for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) partners. This agreement reinforces the AIM-9X’s pivotal role in air combat operations, not only for the U.S. Armed Forces but also for allied forces.

An AIM-9X Sidewinder missile is seen mounted on the wing of an F-35A Lightning II fighter jet as it prepares to take off from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, USA. Photo: US Department of Defense

The AIM-9X-4 Block II is the latest generation in the AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile family, a short-range missile first introduced in the 1950s and continuously improved to maintain effectiveness in modern air combat.

Technically, the AIM-9X-4 incorporates a highly sensitive Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker, an advanced signal processor, and improved anti-jamming capabilities to counter modern jamming systems or enemy flares. The seeker allows the missile to lock onto a heat-tracking target from off-boresight angles, allowing the pilot to fire without having to point the aircraft directly at the target.

The missile is also equipped with a thrust vector control (TVC) system, which provides extreme maneuverability in flight and allows it to make sharp turns immediately after launch to keep up with a moving target. The integration of a digital trigger safety device and a redesigned electronic fuse system increases handling safety and warhead detonation accuracy. The AIM-9X-4 also supports lock-on-launch (LOAL) capability when combined with helmet-mounted target designation systems, allowing it to engage targets beyond the direct line of sight or behind the aircraft.

* Russia offers to supply Su-57E to India

On June 4, Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) surprised New Delhi with a bold proposal. Moscow offered to supply India with Su-57E stealth fighters along with full access to the source code. This access would allow India to integrate its own avionics and weapons systems, in line with its "Make in India" program. Indian officials said this openness far exceeded that of any Western supplier, directly countering Washington's F-35A offer.

For India, the ability to customize Russia’s Su-57E to its own operational requirements will support the country’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative. Photo: Vitaly Kuzmin

The Su-57E is Russia's most advanced fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter designed for the export market. Developed by Sukhoi and manufactured by UAC, the Su-57E features stealth capabilities, supercruise capability, and advanced sensor systems. The version proposed for India includes a Gallium Nitride (GaN) active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and an Indian-developed mission control computer. These systems are in line with the ongoing Super-30 upgrade program for the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI fighters.

In addition, the Su-57E can also use Indian-designed weapons such as Astra Mk1 and Mk2 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, Rudram anti-radiation missiles and indigenous precision-guided weapons, thereby helping to reduce dependence on foreign-supplied weapons.

If realized, the deal would mark a turning point in India-Russia defense cooperation, giving India rare access to the “digital heart” of one of the world’s top stealth fighters.

QUYNH OANH (synthesis)

* Today's World Military column on the People's Army Electronic Newspaper sends readers the latest information on world military security and defense activities in the past 24 hours.

Source: https://baodaknong.vn/quan-su-the-gioi-hom-nay-5-6-nga-de-nghi-cung-cap-su-57e-cho-an-do-254652.html