Military to ink deal on purchase of 12 fighter jets

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Armed Forces of the Philippines said today that it will sign two contracts for the purchase of 12 fighter jets and four combat utility helicopters costing P23.7 billion ($526.45 million) from South Korea and Canada, respectively.

The acquisition of the FA-50 fighter jets and combat utility helicopters is considered the most expensive initiative undertaken by the Philippine military under its modernization program.

The said the fighter jets will be acquired from the Korean Aerospace Industries, where the South Korean government has a share. The acquisition project was undertaken through a government- to-government deal, to be signed here Friday afternoon.

Emmanuel Bautista, chief of the armed forces, will also sign an accord worth P4.8 billion ($106.62 million) with the Canadian Commercial Corp. for the acquisition of four Bell 412 combat utility helicopters, also a government-to-government deal.

The fighter jets and the combat utility helicopters are expected to be delivered starting next year.

The aircraft will boost the poorly-equipped Philippine Air Force, which is considered one of the weakest in Southeast Asia.