The Philippine Air Force conducted an FA-50PH Tactical Capability Demonstration Flight with General Rey Leonardo B Guerrero, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the Air Defense Alert Center, Clark Air Base, Pampanga on January 18, 2018.
Upon his arrival, the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Lieutenant General Galileo Gerard R Kintanar Jr AFP, together with the City Council of Commanders received the CS, AFP in front of Haribon Building. He was then escorted by the Commander of Air Defense Command and Wing Commander of 5th Fighter Wing to Bay 1 Hangar where he was welcomed by the corps of fighter pilots.
General Guerrero, who was flown aboard a FA-50 jet by one of the PAF pilots who saw action in Marawi, was joined by LtGen Emmanuel B. Salamat, NOLCOM Commander in the activity which validated their high regard to the capabilities of PAF’s newest acquisition.
Guerrero also gave his commitment to PAF’s future big ticket acquisitions after observing a simulated bombing activity that spotlighted the accuracy of the aircraft’s on board aerial firepower, fighting capability and technology.
After the flight, the FA-50PH aircraft recovered at Clark International Airport and taxied to park at Haribon Building for a ceremonial and beer toasting in honor of the CS, AFP. He was then awarded with a Mach 1+ patch, Mach Buster Plaque, and FA-50PH patch as a proof that he flew a speed of Mach 1.2 or around 1, 482 kilometers per hour flight.
The modernization of the country’s air power has gained another strong endorsement after General Guerrero urged to continue the modernization of the PAF during the said activity.
The acquisition of FA-50, one of PAF’s workhorses that was considered by AFP ground commanders as the game changer during the Marawi campaign, will soon be sharing attention with multi-role fighters that are planned to be acquired by the Philippine Air Force. (AFP-PR)
