PNoy: Expect modern Air Force planes before 2016

MANILA, Philippines - Pres. Benigno Aquino III lamented the lack of modern aircraft and equipment in the Philippine Air Force (PAF), which he claimed was neglected by past administrations.

In his speech during the 66th PAF anniversary celebration on Monday, Aquino said unlike 50 years ago, the PAF today has "broken wings" with the lack of modernization in the military.

"Kung noong 1963, may kakayahan tayong tumulong at magpadala ng mga squadron sa ibang bansa, bakit nitong mga nakalipas na dekada, tila nabalian ng pakpak ang ating Hukbong Himpapawid, at umaasa na lamang tayo sa mga luma, at kakarag-karag na eroplano’t gamit?" Aquino said in his speech.

"Nakalulungkot man pong isipin, umabot tayo sa sitwasyong ganito dahil habang lasing sa kapangyarihan ang mga dating pinuno, lantaran ding nababalewala ang kapakanan at interes ng mga kawal na Pilipino," he added.

With this condition of the PAF, the President has assured that there will be new aircraft and equipment before his term ends in 2016.

"Asahan po ninyo bago tayo bumaba sa pwesto, tumatanod na sa ating himpapawid ang mga makabago’t modernong kagamitan," Aquino said.

These include lead-in fighters, long-range patrol, close air support, light-lift fixed-wing and medium-lift aircraft; attack and combat utility helicopters, air defense radars, and flight simulators.

The President also said P75 billion will be earmarked for the military with the passage of the New AFP Modernization Act.

The President said with the efforts to modernize the PAF, better service is expected from it.