MANILA, Philippines — The first two FA-50PH units the Philippine government ordered from manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) arrived Saturday in Pampanga to join the Philippine Air Force.
Lead aircraft NR 001 touched down at 10:23 a.m. (Philippine Standard Time) at the Clark Air Base in Angeles City, shortly followed by another aircraft with tail NR 002.
Arrival of PAF's FA-50PHTHE EAGLE HAS LANDED!The two FA-50PH, with tail nr 001 and 002, of the Philippine Air Force were delivered today, November 28, 2015 on Philippine soil at Clark Air Base, Pampanga with the lead aircraft, Nr 001, touching down at exactly 10:23 am Philippine time.The Secretary National Defense, Hon Voltaire Gazmin, the CS,AFP, Gen Hernando Irriberi AFP and the CG, PAF, Lt Gen Jeffrey Delgado AFP were among the cheering crowd of military and media after the ceremonial Water Cannon Salute.
Posted by Philippine Air Force on Saturday, November 28, 2015
National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri welcomed the Korean crew of the country's new fighter-trainers.
Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado was also among the cheering crowd at the airport.
The Department of National Defense last year closed the deal with KAI for 12 units of the two-seater jets for P18.9 billion.