South Korea to Deliver the First Batch of FA-50 Fighter Jets Ahead of Schedule

06/03/2015 – Manila | Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Enrico Canaya said that the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) will deliver the first two of twelve FA-50 fighter jets ahead of schedule before the end of this year, 2015.

The first two units is part of the originally ordered twelve combat aircraft that President Aquino finalized last February 2014.

On 13 February 2014, President Aquino approved the payment scheme for purchasing 12 lead-in fighter trainers with P18.9 billion ($415.7 million) budgeted. On 28 March 2014, the Philippines’ Department of National Defense signed a contract for 12 FA-50 light attack aircraft worth P18.9 billion (US$421.12 million). Deliveries are to finish on 2017.

Plans for 3 to 4 out of 12 units are to be fitted with Beyond Visual Range missiles (BVR) of unknown type. In March 2015, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported that the Philippines plan to order additional FA-50s.

The first two fighter jets are fitted with “electronic countermeasures” (ECM) capability, and sophisticated weapons capability which means they are combat ready. The FA-50 is a multi-role light supersonic fighter aircraft and is one of the latest technologies in air-to-air and air-to-surface combat missions. The twelve ordered FA-50 are all brand new and the rest are still on assembly phase.

“The Philippine Air Force need the first two deliveries as soon as possible so that we could test and check everything if the jets meet our air force’s demand, and if capable to carry missions especially over the disputed area in West Philippine Sea”, Canaya said.

The Department of National Defense (DND) also mulls to buy subsonic multi role and air superiority fighters by 2018 and the US F-16 Fighting Falcons are to be considered.

The tension in South China Sea has prompted the Philippines to rush its plan to upgrade its military arsenal.

Reports earlier suggest that Japan is considering moving some of its defense equipment to the country.

President Aquino is currently on a 3-day state visit to Japan to discuss about possible investments in the country by Japanese companies, and to tackle the sea dispute with his Japanese counterpart PM Abe.

Last night’s report from Japan says Aquino will sign a deal for the transfer of 10 Japanese coastal patrol ships to the Philippine Coast Guard. Aquino will return to the Philippines on Friday, June 5.

/Oto Melara/ Assisted Press Manila

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