Filipino Department of National Defense undescores acquisition of KAI F/A 50

Posted On
a
World Aviation Defense & Security News - Philippines
 
 
Filipino DND undescores advancements in KAI F/A 50 acquisition
 
Filipino Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Fernando Manalo on Tuesday said that the South Korean F/A-50 underwent the process before being selected as the country’s premier jet fighter. The defense official made this statement in response to queries made by Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate during the DND budget hearing at the House of Representatives.
     
Filipino Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Fernando Manalo on Tuesday said that the South Korean F/A-50 underwent the process before being selected as the country’s premier jet fighter. The defense official made this statement in response to queries made by Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate during the DND budget hearing at the House of Representatives.
Korean Aerospace Industry F/A 50 "Golden Eagle"
     

Zarate asked the DND on whether the Italian Alenia Aermacchi M-346 was considered by the DND. Manalo said all prospective jet aircraft in the market were researched and studied by their Defense System Management team.

After an exhaustive research, Manalo said that prospective jet aircraft were recommended to senior defense leaders. Manalo said that the bid of Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) was studied and evaluated extensively before being accepted.

The DND official also pointed out that the F/A-50 is a derivative of the Lockheed F-16 “Falcon” a very successful American jet fighter. Aside from possessing supersonic speed, the F/A-50 is also capable of firing air-to-air missiles and other weapons.

Manalo also added that the F/A-50 will renew the Philippines’ fast jet capability and prepare the pilots for handling of multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) in the future. The DND official also pointed out having the F/A-50 and MRCAs will allow the country to fully guard and defend its territory.