Mohamad, commonly known as Tok Mat, said the aircraft was selected after a thorough evaluation process, adding that the aircraft’s reliability was critical as he did not want air force personnel to be “test subjects”.

“We want to use proven assets with solid capabilities and a good service record,” he said in response to a question from Hassan Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) on the defence ministry’s procurement of the fighter jets.

Mohamad named Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines as among the countries already using the FA-50.

“They use engines from the United States,” he said.

In February, deputy defence minister Adly Zahari confirmed that the country had signed an RM4.08 billion agreement with Korea Aerospace Industries Corporation to purchase the fighter jets.

The government had previously considered fighter jets offered by various countries, including India (Tejas), Pakistan (JF-17), Russia (MIG-35), and Turkey (Hurizet).