New fighter jets to boost patrol in disputed waters

MANILA, Philippines – Proud of its new iron eagles, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) now hopes to make good use of its newly acquired fighter jets in patrolling the West Philippine Sea.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina said the military’s four new planes definitely boost its air defense capability.

“With our four FA-50PH, we have further strengthened our wings and we can now secure more our land, airspace and maritime territory,” Fallorina said during last week’s turnover ceremony of two more fighter jets acquired from South Korea.

“We will now be able to conduct security operations in the West Philippine Sea and perform more surveillance and reconnaissance missions,” he added.

Fallorina said the additional aircraft is a good indication that the PAF is on course toward realizing its vision of a professional and competent air force responsive to national security and development as embodied in Flight Plan 2028.

“This is also a boost to our being the Jointly Engaged Transforming Force for greater peace and security,” he added.

The PAF held a formal acceptance, turnover and blessing ceremony of the two newly acquired FA-50PH “Fighting Eagle” Fighter/Surface Attack/Lead-in Fighters Trainer Aircraft with tail numbers 003 and 004 at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

The event was attended by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as guest of honor.

The formal handover of aircraft documents highlighted the ceremony as it symbolized the transfer of the FA-50PH aircraft from South Korea represented by Jae-shin Kim to Lorenzana on the part of the Philippine government.

Lorenzana, for his part, turned over the documents to AFP chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año, who in turn gave them to Fallorina for the PAF.

The symbolic turnover rites were then followed by the blessing of and ceremonial pouring of champagne on the new platforms.