JUST IN: SI PBBM AY PILOTO DIMAPIGILAN SINAKYAN AGAD ANG BAGONG FIGHTER JET NG PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE

Courtesy of RTVM Presidential Broadcast

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. flies onboard Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) FA-50PH Fighter Jet to witness its capability in a flight demonstration at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga on March 7, 2023.

The activity is conducted upon the invitation of PAF for the Commander-in-Chief to personally test the aircraft.

Lieutenant Colonel Malbert Maquiling, who accompanies the President as his pilot in command (PIC), honors the Commander-in-Chief with a 'Fighter's Toast' in celebration of a safe, successful and triumphant flight, ensuing with a presentation of symbolic patches and certificate.

Prior to the flight demonstration, the President earlier stressed the importance of upgrading the Air Force to address the challenges posed by the country’s archipelagic nature and geostrategic location, saying that “As much as our maritime environment provides us with much needed resources, it also requires us to constantly adapt to become more mobile and agile”.

“To this end, our FA-50 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 added.

President Marcos Jr. also affirmed that his Administration will remain steadfast in its commitment to pursue modernization efforts for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“With the demonstration of the flight capability of the FA-50, we can all look forward to the greater heights that the Philippines will reach in the years to come,” he said, concluding his message during the acceptance, turnover and blessing of the C-295 Medium Lift Aircraft.

“Our country’s archipelagic nature and geostrategic location is both a blessing and a challenge. As much as our maritime environment provides us with much needed resources, it also requires us to constantly adapt to become more mobile and agile,” stressed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the ceremonial acceptance, turnover and blessing of the C-295 Medium Lift Aircraft acquired by the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Recognizing the various climate-related hazards the country confronts at present, the Commander-in-Chief called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to exert more effort in performing their duties.

“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. 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,” President Marcos Jr. emphasized, where he also underscored the Administration’s commitment to pursue modernization efforts for the Armed Forces.

“As we accept and bless this new C295 medium airlift, may your passion to defend the country and to serve the Filipino people deepen as we strive to maintain the peace that we have fought so hard to achieve,” concluded President Marcos Jr.

The newly delivered C-295 Medium Lift Aircraft is one of the three (3) units acquired under the Modernization Program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The twin-turboprop transport aircraft shall be utilized for various missions such as medical evacuation, paradrop/airdrop, civic and humanitarian airlift mission, among others.