Aquino vows to arm air force with new aircraft

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno Aquino III vowed today to provide the country's Air Force new sets of aircraft before his term ends in 2016.

In his speech at the 66th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in northern province of Pampanga, Aquino said that based on the passage of the New Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act last year, the government is allotting P75 billion ($1.73 billion) for the next five years to improve the capability of the military.

"Rest assured that before we step down from our post, new and modern sets of aircraft are already guarding our air space," he said.

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

He expressed hope that with the support being given by his administration to the military, the government troops will also give their utmost best to do their job for the country and the people.