Filipinas recibe antes sus FA-50s

Philippines to Get First Two FA-50s Early



KAI will deliver two FA-50s to the PAF ahead of schedule, a Philippine official said on 3 March.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) will deliver two FA-50 light-attack aircraft to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) ahead of schedule in December, Philippine Undersecretary of Defense Fernando Manalo said on 3 March.

"We are looking at the early delivery of two FA-50s," said Manalo, head of the Philippine Department of National Defense's (DND) modernisation and procurement division. "They will be combat and mission ready upon their arrival this December."

Manila signed a PHP18.9 billion contract to buy 12 FA-50s on 28 March 2014, under which KAI was to deliver all the aircraft by mid-2017.

Philippine President Aquino inspected an FA-50 at Gimhae Air Base in South Korea in December 2014, and at the time told reporters he expected the 12 aircraft to just be the start of increased defence co-operation between the two countries.

"We have been assured by KAI that by 2017 our procurement will be complete. Down the road, likely more will be needed, but I will leave that up to my successors," he said. Aquino's term ends on 30 June 2016.

Jane's