The Philippine government and the South Korean government have already signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation. The Philippines is on track to but a total of 12 lead-in fighter jets as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization plan.
A total of P18.976 billion were already allotted by the Aquino administration for the purchase of 12 brand new jets that would primarily be used to train pilots and increase the capability of the armed forces of the Philippines especially in patrolling the huge borders of the country.
The process of procurement is a long process both for the Philippines and South Korea but each sides agreed to try and expedite the arm purchase and their delivery.
President Aquino was quoted with the following statement: “Meron tayong tinatapos both in their laws and our laws, ‘yung sa procurement. Medyo napakahaba nung mga details eh. Pero bottom line, both sides agreed to try and expedite the arm purchase and their delivery of these planes,” President Aquino said Thursday.
The Philippine President is currently in South Korea as the first head of state to visit Korean President Park Geun-hye, they both witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the two countries on defense cooperation.
According to the revelation made by Peter Galvez, spokesman for the defense department, the Philippines is eyeing FA-50s manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries. The Philippine Air Force have already decommissioned F-5s in 2005, leaving the country without lead-in fighter aircraft in service.
