Air Force eyeing more sophisticated jets

AFTER the arrival of two of its recently acquired FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is considering purchasing multirole combat aircraft as part of its efforts to modernize air defense and security.

“The Air Force will still determine which model will be best. It will depend on the budget in our modernization fund,” said Col. Enrico Canaya.

The PAF spokesperson made the statement a day after two FA-50 jets landed at Clark Air Base from South Korea.

The P18.9-billion deal with the Korea Aerospace Industry calls for the delivery of 12 FA-50 fighters in batches until 2017.

While there is no timeline yet for the acquisition of modern aircraft, Canaya expressed optimism the modernization will be completed according to the PAF’s Flight Plan 2028. This aims to build up the PAF’s capability to detect, identify, intercept and neutralize intrusions in the Philippines by 2028.

Canaya said the acquisition of multirole fighters is next in line in the upgrading of the PAF’s air defense capability.

Multirole combat aircraft are designed for various tasks, including primary air-to-air combat, air-to-surface attack, aerial reconnaissance, forward air control and electronic warfare. Julie M. Aurelio