Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) will deliver two FA-50 light-attack aircraft to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) ahead of schedule possibly last quarter of this year 2015. PAF spokesperson Col Enrico Canaya said.
Upon arrival, this first 2 FA-50, supersonic fighter jet are equipped with “electronic countermeasures” (ECM) capability, sophisticated weapons munition which means they will be combat and mission ready. Canaya said.
What is an ECM?
An electronic countermeasure (ECM) is an electrical or electronic device designed to trick or deceive radar, sonar or other detection systems, like infrared (IR) or lasers. It may be used both offensively and defensively to deny targeting information to an enemy. The system may make many separate targets appear to the enemy, or make the real target appear to disappear or move about randomly. It is used effectively to protect aircraft from guided missiles. Most air forces use ECM to protect their aircraft from attack. It has also been deployed by military ships and recently on some advanced tanks to fool laser/IR guided missiles. It is frequently coupled with stealth advances so that the ECM systems have an easier job. Offensive ECM often takes the form of jamming. Defensive ECM includes using blip enhancement and jamming of missile terminal homers.
Manila signed a PHP18.9 billion contract to buy 12 FA-50’s on 28 March 2014, under which KAI was to deliver all the aircraft by mid-2017.
“Philippine Air Force need this first two deliveries of FA-50’s fighter jet as soon as possible in order for us to decide if this jets from Korea are indeed met our requirements and criteria also if it’s capable to carry assigned mission specifically in the conflict areas of the West Philippine Sea. Likewise, it will serve us to decide if we can again procure one or two more squadrons of this or look for other types of multi role fighter jet like a squadron of Jas-39 Gripen from Sweden.” Canaya added.
SEE ALSO: Philippines Next Fighter Jets – Jas 39 Gripen
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