Gov't looking into 'mishaps' of to be acquired Korean fighter jets

MANILA, Philippines - The acquisition process for the 12 lead in fighter trainer jets continues pending a probe on a recent crash involving a similar aircraft in South Korea, the Defense department said.

The government, nevertheless, will take into account the mishap, which claimed the lives of two South Korean pilots.

“(The process of) acquisition is still continuing. Until we get the outcome of that particular investigation (on the crash), the process is continuing at the moment,” Defense department spokesman Peter Galvez told reporters Tuesday. 

When asked if the mishap could jeopardize the plan to acquire the jets from South Korea, Galvez said: “I believe all factors will be considered.”

The government plans to acquire 12 FA-50 jets for P18.9 billion from South Korea to boost the Air Force’s territorial defense capabilities. The government is expected to start talks with the supplier Korea Aerospace Industries soon.

However, concerns on the viability of the FA-50 have been raised after a similar jet trainer crashed near Gwangju, South Korea last August 28.

The incident, which left two pilots dead, was the second crash involving a T-50 jet in less than a year.

Korean authorities are now looking into the incident. The FA-50, the model of the jets that the Philippines is planning to acquire, is a variant of T-50.

The Defense department’s Bids and Awards Committee had approved the terms of reference for the acquisition of the jets. If everything goes as planned, the delivery of the 12 jets would be completed before the Aquino administration steps down in in 2016. – Alexis Romero