MANILA (PNA) --- Pending the arrival of new security threats, there are no plans so far to acquire additional units of the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)-made FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle," of which four units are now in service and another eight expected to arrive this year.
This was disclosed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Tuesday when asked on whether they have plans to acquire additional units of the Mach 1.5 capable jet fighters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
"(There are) no plans to get more that the 12 we ordered. Four are already delivered (as of this posting), the other eight will be delivered this year," he added in a message to the PNA.
During the time of then Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, a study was made on the feasibility to acquire additional six FA-50PHs units to further secure the country's airspace.
With Lorenzana's statement, it seems that the PAF will have to content with the 12 FA-50PHs until Horizon 2 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, which is to start this 2018 and end on 2022, before they can acquire more advance and sophisticated jet aircraft.
The FA-50PHs landed recently landed in the headlines after it participated during a surgical air and artillery strike that severely wounded Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon Hapilon and seven others aside from killing an estimated 15 terrorists during a military offensive in Butig, Lanao Del Sur last Jan. 26.
It was the first combat mission for the above-mentioned aircraft, military leaders said.
The PAF's 12-plane order from KAI is worth PHP18.9 billion.
The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.
It will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.
The FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.
KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the FA-50PHs.
(PNA)
Cos you are poor pinoy... Spent on your own people lah.
BalasHapusThey already did that for the pas 20years..
HapusWhatever. We may be poor, but we are not dirt poor. This article is misleading because it did not explain that the additional 6 more FA-50s planned proposed to be acquired is originally not part of Horizon 1 of AFP modernization, therefore has no budget. As far as Horizon 1 is concerned. It has already fulfilled the acquisition of 12 FA-50 based on schedule. The 2nd and 3rd squadron of FA-50s as well as the 1 squadron of MRFs will be made in Horizon 2 between year 2018-2022. There are still big ticket items to be finished for this year as part of Horizon 1, some of these are, CAS, LRPAs etc
HapusWhatever
HapusHave some respect towards other people. PH already take the first step towards modernisation. I believe they will spent their money on other service as well not just their airforce.
We have only a budget of 1% of gdp for 2017, one of the lowest if not the lowest in the region.
HapusTo whatever:its better for filipinos to be poor just because they planned well in purchasing better military equipment. Your country are much worst because you are buying some military stuff which your armed forces doesnt know how to operate it. In addition, your ships and jets serve as a setting duck and a flying coffins on your pilot and sailors because your armed forces are lack of knowledge and still very very young in war experience.how poor you are whaever.hehe
HapusAymokay... Pinoy not dirt people??? Smokimg mountains... All the slums...??? Face the fact
HapusYah... Like all the corruption?? Thats where th ther money is spent... Inside their own pocket
HapusBebei. Philippines spending on defense for the last 50 years is only 1% of gdp. Previous leaders must have seen more pressing needs of the country other than defense. In fact we are one of the lowest spender in defense not only in SEA but of the whole Asia, this is the reason why we lag behind with our neighbors in terms of military capability. Our income is very modest, this is the reason why programmed our AFP modernization for 15 years because we cannot do it abruptly. But that could also abruptly change if congress would approve the 2.5% of gdp defense budget proposal by DND Sec. Lorenzana, it will make us at par with other SEA countries in terms of defense budget.
BalasHapusGood for philippines to modernized military...
Hapus