PAF's newly acquired fighter jets to see action in Balikatan exercises

The Philippine military's two newly acquired FA-50 fighter jets will be flying side by side with some of the modern aircraft of the US Air Force in the upcoming Balikatan exercises.

This would be the first time the FA-50s will be involved in such training since their delivery in November last year, according to Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesman Col. Enrico Canaya on Thursday.

"This is definitely a good opportunity for us to increase or enhance our training, especially with our (American) counterparts," Canaya said.

The two aircraft are part of the 12 FA-50s being acquired by the Department of National Defense from the Korea Aerospace Industries for P18.9 billion.

Military officials said the delivery of the remaining 10 FA-50s is expected to be completed next year.

Other PAF aircraft that will see action in the Balikatan exercises scheduled to start on April 4 are Hawker Hunter and Philippine S-211 jets. The US Air Force, meanwhile, is expected to use its A-10 Thunderbolt jets.

The exercises will include air intercept, interdiction, close air support and air combat maneuver trainings in an unspecified place in Northern Luzon.

This year's Balikatan exercises, which will last until April 16, will involve 4,400 American troops and 3,000 Filipino troops, according to Balikatan public affairs officer Capt. Celeste Frank Sayson. —KBK, GMA News