Manila – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) aircraft inventory will get a much-needed boost as two South Korean FA-50PHs, six AgustaWestland AW-109E “Power” attack helicopters and one Airbus C-295 medium transport will be formally turned over today.
The turnover and blessing ceremonies will start at 1:30 p.m. at the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing, RampColonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
Air Force spokesperson Col. Enrico Canaya said President Aquino would be the guest-of-honor and speaker.
The first C-295 arrived last March 22 while the six attack versions of the AW-109Es were all delivered in the last quarter of 2015.
The first two Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50PH arrived last Nov. 28 while the C-295 medium, the second to be acquired this year, was delivered last September all in Clark Air Base.
Air Force has ordered eight attack AW-109Es with the first two being commissioned last Aug. 17.
If you are living in Metro Manila, you can hear this attack helis (AW-109Es) circling around the Metro during APEC event securing the airspace.
These aircraft, especially the Mach 1.5 capable FA-50PHs, are expected to boost the PAF’s external defense capabilities. -PAF, MLD
