The orders include 12 LIFT jets, eight light transports, three medium
transports and attack helicopters. (photo : sires9094)
PAF buying
new trainer jets
MANILA,
Philippines—The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is ordering this year a number of
brand new aircraft.
These
include 12 lead-in fighter trainer jets, eight light transports, three medium
transports and attack helicopters.
The PAF said
the order is among 38 contracts that the air branch of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines will sign this year. Delivery of the aircraft is expected in two
years.
“Within the
year we expect to sign contracts. We have 38 projects lined up, foremost of
which is the FAA lead-in fighter trainer or LIFT. We have attack helicopters
coming, light transports and medium transports that are slightly smaller than
the C-130 cargo plane” currently in use, PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Okol
said.
“They have
been approved by the senior leadership (of the Department of National
Defense),” he added.
He said the
rest of the 38 contracts were still being finalized.
From being
one of the best in Southeast Asia during the 1960s, the Air Force fleet
gradually deteriorated and became obsolete without being replaced, leaving the
country with no external defense capability.
To upgrade
the entire military’s capabilities, the DND and AFP are working to fast-track
the approval by July this year of a total of 138 contracts.
The
contracts, mostly aimed at boosting badly depleted air and naval assets, would
be implemented for the duration of the Aquino administration.
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