Despite crash, acquisition process for fighter jets continues

MANILA, Philippines - The government is pushing through with its plan to acquire 12 FA-50 fighter jets pending a probe on a recent crash involving a similar aircraft, which killed two South Korean pilots, the defense department said.

“(The process of) acquisition is still continuing. Until we get the outcome of that particular investigation (on the crash), the process is continuing at the moment,” Peter Galvez, spokesman for the defense department, told reporters yesterday.

“I believe all factors will be considered,” he added.

The government plans to acquire 12 FA-50 jets for P18.9 billion from South Korea to boost the Air Force’s territorial defense capabilities. The government is expected to start talks with supplier Korea Aerospace Industries soon.

Concerns on the viability of the FA-50 have been raised after a similar jet trainer crashed near Gwangju, South Korea on Aug. 28.  It was the second crash involving a T-50 jet in less than a year.

The FA-50, the model of the jets that the Philippines is planning to acquire, is a variant of the T-50.

The defense department’s Bids and Awards Committee had approved the terms of reference for the acquisition of the jets. If everything goes as planned, the delivery of the 12 jets would be completed before the Aquino administration steps down in in 2016.