The Department of National Defense (DND) is planning to base
its brand-new South Korean-made FA-50PHs jet aircraft in air facilities in
Pampanga, Zambales and Palawan .
This was revealed by DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin Thursday.
He added that this is possible due to the proximity of
existing airbases in Subic Bay , Zambales and
Pampanga.
Another possible base is Puerto Princesa, Palawan .
Gazmin did not give the reasons why these locations were
being looked into as possible FA-50PH staging areas but military sources said
this is due to provinces' proximity to the West Philippine Sea where the
country is now engaged in a territorial dispute with China
Two FA-50PHs are scheduled to be delivered at Clark Air
Base, Angeles City
The DND signed a Php18.9 billion contract deal with Korea
Aerospace Industries last March 2014.
The contract is for 12 FA-50PH jet aircraft.
Gazmin said the maintenance of the planes is covered within
the contract.
He added that three Philippine Air Force pilots have already
completed FA-50PH training with KAI and will be helping to train new pilots to
man the brand-new jet.
And upon arrival of the two jets Saturday, the DND chief
said the aircraft will undergo a series of flight and acceptance tests before
being commissioned into service.
Gazmin added that the FA-50PH is dual-capable meaning it can
be utilized for training and fighter missions.
Another procurement program is now underway to equip the
planes with weapons.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=831606
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