LOOK: New PH fighter jets escort Aquino’s plane from US trip

After a decade, the Philippine Air Force is back to its role of escorting the president and other visiting heads of state while in the country’s airspace.

The Air Force resumed its role on Friday using the two newly acquired FA-50 fighter jets as it escorted President Benigno Aquino III’s plane from his official trip to the United States. The jets were flown by Air Defense Wing fighter pilots.

READ: Air Force FA-50s escort Aquino, delegation upon arrival from US

After a decade, the Philippine Air Force is back to its role of escorting the president and other visiting heads of state while in the country’s airspace. Photo from Philippine Air Force

The last time the Air Force has played such role was in 2005, before the PAF F-5s were decommissioned.

The Philippine government acquired a squadron of FA-50 fighter jets from Korea Airspace Industries at P18.9 billion, the military’s biggest capability upgrade. The first two arrived in November while the rest are expected until 2016. RAM

READ: Philippine Air Force welcomes 2 new fighter jets