12 Fighter Jets Acquired by Philippines from South Korea

12 Fighter Jets Acquired by Philippines from South Korea.
The long delayed purchase of modern military weapons to boost the defense of the Philippines got a much needed boost.

This developed after the Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed that the purchase of 12 F/A-50 lead-in trainer aircraft from South Korea is now underway. The PAF said the fighter jets will cost the government P18.9 billion, as part of the P85-billion modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Defense undersecretary Fernando Manalo said the AFP has 24 projects under its P85-billion modernization program. Manalo revealed that once the contract of the purchase is signed, the Philippines will receive the fighter jets in the next 18 months.

He said the AFP is beefing up its forces to ensure a credible defense for the country against any threats.

Once the fighter jets arrive, the Philippines will be the first country in the region to have supersonic capability.

Based on internet research, the F/A-50 is a light combat aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art systems and weapons.