Manila’s deal to acquire 12 upgraded FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea could significantly strengthen the Philippines’ air defence and power projection in the contested South China Sea – but analysts say the light combat aircraft still fall short of the multirole fighters the country ultimately seeks.The US$700 million contract, signed on Tuesday with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), will see the delivery of the aircraft between 2026 and 2030, the state-run Philippine News Agency...