Two more South Korean-made FA-50PH “Fighting Eagle” jet fighters arrived in Clark Air Base, Pampanga Wednesday, raising the number of the country’s Mach 1.5 capable aircraft to six.
Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Antonio Z. Francisco said the two jet planes will be welcomed by Air Logistics Command head Major Gen. Arnold A. Mancita and PAF commander Lt. Gen. Edgar R. Fallorina.
With the impending delivery of the pair, only six more FA-50PHs remain to be delivered to the PAF. The PAF’s 12-plane order from Korea Aerospace Industries (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.
Arrival of 2 FA-50 fighter jets:
