Philippine Air Force's Newly Acquired FA-50 Aircraft Start Flight Missions

Two of the twelve FA-50 Light Attack Aircraft acquired for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) modernization took over-flight and familiarisation flight missions today morning.

The fighter jets will continue to do over-flights in the next few days, Brigadier General Jose Mirandilla, 2nd Air Division Commander at Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base, was quoted as saying by Cebu Daily News today.

“This is to also show the general public that these new air assets are vital in strengthening the country’s territorial borders, and that the PAF has already re-entered the supersonic era,” added Mirandilla.

The over-flight missions will also serve as a great avenue to train the pilots and allow the pilots to be acquainted with the various aspects in flight missions such as the country’s different terrains, weather, and possible areas of interest.

The two aircraft will be stationed at the air base, he added. PAF have so far received six of these FA-50 jets. The other six will be delivered within the year.

The PAF is in the process of acquiring 12 FA-50PH F/SA/LIFTA, under the Modernization Program, signed with the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) to strengthen the country’s territorial defense capabilities.

The FA-50 is a light combat aircraft manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). It is a light combat version of the T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft.