Manila, July 22 -- South Korea is shooting to deliver the first three of the 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft to the Philippines before the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s term in 2028, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa said on Tuesday.

The Philippines last month signed the USD700 million contract to acquire the 12 fighter jets from Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) as it seeks to enhance its air defense capabilities.

"This additional purchase, the 12 FA-50s, we believe it will make a significant improvement also for the Air Force of the Philippines," Lee said in a luncheon meeting with the press in Makati City.

"The first batch will be delivered, we hope, before the end of the term of the M...