MANILA: If everything goes as planned, the Air Force may be able to receive two lead in fighter trainer jets as early as next year, a ranking military official said yesterday.
Air Force Chief Lt Gen Lauro Catalino dela Cruz said the first two air assets to be acquired from South Korea would be used to train their pilots.
“Our target date is [to] have at least two [jets delivered] initially by the end of fourth quarter of 2014 and then the rest would be (delivered in the next) six months,” Dela Cruz said during a forum organised by the Manila Overseas Press Club last Monday.
The government plans to acquire 12 FA-50 jets for P18.9bn ($430m) to enhance the territorial defence capabilities of the Air Force.
Dela Cruz said the negotiations with the Korea Aerospace Industries started about a month ago. He said the two jets could be delivered by the end of 2014 if all the contracts and other necessary documents are signed this year.
“(Once the jets are delivered), we now have aircraft that could deter any intruder. If there are unidentified (intruders), we can pursue them,” Dela Cruz said.
After the initial delivery, two jets are expected to arrive every two months.
The Philippine star
