The Golden Eagle has landed

Last Saturday, two FA-50PH Golden Eagle aircraft landed at Clark Air Base, flown in from South Korea. The two aircraft represent the first batch of twelve FA-50PH fighters that the country purchased as part of its modernization program for the different branches of the military. The twelve fighters were purchased at a cost of $402 million. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin happily stated that "we are glad we're finally back to the supersonic age."

For years, the Philippine Air Force had to contend with aging fighters like the F-5 Freedom Fighter. After several deadly crashes, the fleet of thirty F-5 aircraft were retired in 2005. The PAF was left with the S-211, a jet trainer that was fitted with some armaments, and some propeller-driven aircraft such as the SF-260 Marchetti and OV-10 Bronco and several Cessnas. It did not have a true fighter, making the PAF one of the weakest in Asia. In the 60s, the PAF was considered one of the strongest. We all know the joke about all air, no force.

The remaining ten FA-50PH fighters will be delivered in batches through 2017. Three pilots who trained for seven months in South Korea specifically for the FA-50PH could not contain their enthusiasm for the aircraft. One pilot likened it to driving a Ferrari. The plane is much faster, more maneuverable than anything our pilots were used to. The three pilots will then train a pool of pilots earmarked to fly the ten other FA-50PH fighters. I can just imagine the feeling of our pilots with this new aircraft. Like a new toy unwrapped at Christmas.

But it will take time before the full potential of this fighter aircraft is achieved. The two Golden Eagles do not come with its missiles and other ordnance. These will be purchased later after thorough training by its pilots. Jumping back into the supersonic age is not like riding a bicycle. Everything has to be re-learned. Giving the Golden Eagle its talons will eventually happen.

According to Sec. Gazmin, the two FA-50PH fighters will be most likely stationed in western Palawan. These would enable a rapid response to the West Philippine Sea in case it is needed. This is not to say that we are ready to face the Chinese head on. The Chinese Air Force has more than two thousand eight hundred aircraft of various types, including hundreds of modern, sophisticated aircraft that rival even those of the United States. As for their navy, they have more than four hundred vessels, not counting the auxiliary and support vessels. Still, the Golden Eagles are a welcome addition. The President has authorized the DND to enter into contracts for more modern military equipment such as frigates, anti-submarine helicopters, amphibious assault vehicles and long-range patrol aircraft, including the missiles for the Golden Eagle. After years of seeming neglect, the country's military is finally getting the equipment it deserves, and needs. The jokes can finally stop.