Philippine Air Force Goes Supersonic Again

The first two of a fleet of 12 lead-in fighter trainers have arrived in Philippine to. The Philippine Air Force took delivery of two FA-50PH Golden Eagle on 28 Nov and return to the supersonic age. The last supersonic aircraft in the PAF, the F-5 were retired in 2005. The ferry flight was delayed a day by bad weather in South Korea but there was no stopping the progress of the PAF. The FA-50PH is armed with multi-function radar, Gatling cannon and advanced air-to-air missile. It will confer on the PAF a credible local air defense capability. The acquisition of air-to-air missiles will be catered separately. Funding for air-to-air missiles for the FA-50 was approved by President Benigno S. Aquino III recently under a package which programs like the acquisition of four long range patrol aircraft and ground based air surveillance system.


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PAF FA-50 Delivery

The first two FA-50 Fighting Eagle fighter/ trainer aircraft will be delivered to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on 10 December 2015.  These combat aircraft will confer a significant boost to the Philippine Armed Forces.  Philippine ordered 12 FA-50 in 2014 under a $420 million government to government deal.

A pioneer batch of three instructor pilots and 32 maintenance crew were sent to South Korea for training. The aircrew are experienced S-211 pilots. Philippine Air Force retired its last fighter, the F-5 in 2005. The FA-50 Fighting Eagle will be PAF's first supersonic combat aircraft in a decade. Philippine is also upgrading its air base infrastructures to accommodate the new acquisitions.


Photo: Facebook, Philippine Military Assets

Manila Livewire

PAF UH-1D Crash Landed

A Philippine Air Force UH-1D utility helicopter from Tactical Operations Group IX conducting a casevac (casualty evacuation) mission crash landed near Sitio Lamsalo in the Sarangani province. The helicopter was evacuating injured soldiers from the 73rd Infantry Battalion which was in action against communist insurgents. Nine aircrew and passengers were slightly injured in the incident.


Earlier this year, the UH-I fleet was grounded following an incident at the 4th Infantry Division Headquarter at Camp Evangelista. A UH-1H from Tactical Operations Group X rolled over while taking off.




The UH-1D were acquired under a controversial deal for 21 aircraft. At least 7 aircraft were delivered before the Air Force sought to terminate the contract for late delivery of aircraft. The deal was criticised because the aircraft is the UH-1D version instead of the newer and more capable UH-1H which the Air Force is already operating. There were concerns that spare parts and maintenance would be a problem.










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Air Force Technology

PAF Su-35 vs IAF Su-35?

The Pakistan Air Force is looking to Russia for longer range heavy fighters to complement its recent acquisition of JF-17.  RIA Novosti news agency quoted Assistant of the President, Vladimir Kozhin, that Russia will sell Mi-35M attack helicopters and Su-35 combat aircraft to Pakistan.

In March, Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain announced the expansion of military-tie with Russia with the purchase of Mi-35 gunships. The contract for four Mi-35M  attack helicopters was signed in August with Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport.  Discussion for 10 - 12 more Mi-35M is on-going. The  Mi-35M (NATO Designation Hind-E) is an upgraded export version of the Mi-24V attack helicopter.

With the Rafale talks dragging, India is also turning its eye to Russia. India is reportedly interested in the Su-35. With the keen rivalry between the two neighbours, it is interesting that Russia is supplying arms to both sides.

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