Korea Aerospace Industries is offering its KF-21 fighter aircraft and helicopters to the Philippines as Seoul seeks deeper defense ties with Manila, according to a senior executive at the South Korean firm.

This move comes during the Philippines-Korea Business Forum in Manila, signaling a strategic push to support Manila's military modernization efforts. The Philippines faces persistent security challenges in the South China Sea, where Beijing's expansive claims create regional friction.

The potential deals represent a significant expansion of Korean defense exports to the Philippines, which currently relies on aging US hardware. Korea Aerospace Industries aims to leverage its indigenous defense capabilities to fill this gap, potentially boosting its global market share in military aviation.