PAF pilots to train in flying fighter jets in South Korea

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Air Force will send its military pilots to South Korea to train in flying the brand-new fighter jets that are expected to be delivered late next year.

Three pilots, all with rank of major, and two more officers and 32 crew will be sent to South Korea around March to May, said Colonel Miguel Ernesto Okol, director for Air Force’s Air Defense Wing.

The pilots were chosen for the jets after having a thousand hours of flying Marchetti S-211 trainer planes.  They will train on Korea Air Force FA-50s for about three more months before training on the acquired jets for another three months.

“We selected those who are most skilled and those who still have years under their belt,” Okol said.

Air Force captains and lieutenants will also be sent for training later on.

The Philippines is acquiring 12 FA-50s from Korea Aerospace Industries for P18.9 billion, which includes the training package. Another P5 billion is allotted for the armaments.

The first two jets are expected to be delivered by December 2015 while four more may be delivered before President Benigno Aquino III’s term ends in 2016.

“Suffice it to say, … we’ll be back to supersonic again,” Okol said.
The Air Force retired its last seven Northstop F5 fighter jets in 2005.

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