By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Tuesday, March 7, that the new aircraft acquired by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will improve the country’s defense system.
Marcos made this remark during the flight capability demonstration of the FA-50PH fighter jets and acceptance, turn-over, and blessing ceremony of the C295 Medium Lift Aircraft at the Clark Air Base in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
“While these equipment will boost the readiness of our Air Force to respond to any contingency, there is still a need to further improve our capabilities to effectively cover our territory,” he said in his speech.
“Equally important is to ensure the airworthiness of Air Force assets and the corresponding training of crew and personnel to guarantee the safety of all. Hence, it is the administration’s will to remain steadfast in pursuing our modernization efforts,” he added.
The President commended the PAF for its help in the implementation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, while citing the 2022 purchase of three C295 Medium Lift Aircraft.
“This attests to the progress of our nation in upgrading our defense capabilities,” he said.
President Marcos said the country’s archipelagic nature and geostrategic location have been “both a blessing and a challenge” because it requires the government to “constantly adapt to become more mobile and agile.”
“To this end, our FA-50PH Fighter Jets shall improve our maritime patrol capability, aid our Air Force in monitoring the developments within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone and provide close air support to our combat troops,” he continued.
President Marcos said the additional C295 aircraft will allow the AFP to better support government agencies in emergencies, humanitarian aid, and disaster response. -ag
