PAF expects delivery of 2 fighter jets from S. Korea in 2014

MANILA, Philippines - If everything goes as planned, the Philippine Air Force might be able to receive two lead-in fighter trainer jets from South Korea as early as next year, a ranking military official said.

Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz told a forum organized by the Manila Overseas Press Club last Monday that the first two air assets to be acquired from South Korea would be used to train military pilots.

“Our target is (to) have at least two (jets delivered) initially by the end of the fourth quarter of 2014 and then the rest would be (delivered in the next) six months,” Dela Cruz said.

The government plans to purchase 12 FA-50 jets for P18.9 billion to enhance the territorial defense capability 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 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 delivery of all the 12 air assets might be completed before the Aquino administration steps down in 2016.

Earlier, The STAR reported that the defense department’s Bids and Awards Committee had approved the terms of reference for the acquisition of the jets.

The Air Force also plans to acquire 21 UH-1 or Huey helicopters for P1.26 billion.

The third bidding for the helicopters has been slated for this month.

The defense department conducted two biddings for the project last December and February but both of them failed.

The bidding is open to both local and foreign firms subject to eligibility conditions prescribed by the law.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said that at least 14 firms have expressed interest to supply the Huey helicopters.

The government is also in the process of buying two other Navy frigates, two strategic sealift vessels, and six units of 155 mm Howitzer artillery system.