PAF jets ex USAF?

November 18, 2011

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) may be flying USAF F-16 jets if plans don't miscarry as the United States pledged to continue its military assistance to the country from its surplus hardware.

 At the 60th commemoration of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the US the other day, Clinton vowed to stand and fight with the Philippines to help the country achieve its development goals and address security concerns.

The offer was made by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton saying air assets are the first line of defence to fend off foreign aggressors in the South China Sea territory.

First set of Philippine Air Force  W-3A troop carrier

“Sure enough, this will complement our maritime and interdiction operations in the West Philippine Sea,” AFP Chief General Eduardo Oban Jr. said in a statement.

The AFP welcomes the US commitment but discloses that they are not yet prepared to handle the jets proficiently as they require training for pilots and maintenance personnel alike.

“We will take them when we're ready. Pilots are already training as we speak,” says AFP spokesman Col. Anglo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said.

“Definitely, fighter jets are coming to the PAF. That's why we need trainers for it,” says Burgos but refuses to disclose aircraft type and time frame when they be made available for the country.

“The fighter jets will arrive after the trainers,”. adds Burgos.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said they raised the potential F-16 deal with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who pledged commitment to a former colony.

Del Rosario said it would be for second-hand F-16s with Manila on the hook to pay for reconditioning, maintenance and pilot training.

The PAF is expecting delivery at the end of the year 20 units of upgraded MG520 helicopters and 4 combat utility helicopters from Poland’s PZL Swidnik and one  aerial recon camera for intelligence operations;

Another set of four combat utility helicopters and six refurbished UH-1H helicopter (ex USAF) will join the air force next year.