Air Force pilots to train in new Golden Eagle planes

MANILA, Philippines - Light role aircraft FA-50 Golden Eagle from Korea will polish Philippine Air Force pilots' maneuvering skills, Department of Defense spokesperson Peter Paul Galvez said Thursday.

Galvez said once the 1.5-Mach capable aircraft have been purchased, pilots' air command maneuvering abilities will be enhanced, giving them a rare chance to operate modern fighter planes.

"The FA-50 will help our pilots regain their ACM skills. The aircraft is very ideal for this training as it is modeled very closely in with F-16 Fighting Falcon' one of the most successful jet fighter designs in the world," Galvez told a state news agency.

The government has been negotiating for the purchase of the 12 light attack trainers for 18.9 billion pesos since 2012.

The country's fighter pilots have long needed maneuvering training since the retirement of Northrop F-5 Tiger fleet from the Air Force in 2005, he said.

The defense official added that the pilots will have a "fast mover" experience using the Korea Aerospace Industries-issued aircrafts.

"The F/A-50 will be the PAF's interim fighter jet aircraft for the moment and it will teach our pilots the skills needed in piloting high performance jet aircraft," he said.

Golden Eagle aircraft, also known as the KAI T-50, are supersonic fighters jointly developed by the Korean firm and American company Lockheed Martin.  - Camille Diola