New trainer jets, choppers for PAF

LIPA, Batangas—The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has 18 new planes to use for training pilots.

More than P600 million was spent for the 18 new units of SF-260 planes that were bought from an Italian company.

Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena, commanding general of the PAF, said the new training planes would be a “good foundation” for training would-be Air Force pilots.

“All pilots come from the Philippine Air Force flying school. It is important that we give them proper, good training,” said the general.

An Italian company, Alenia Aemacchi, and its local industry partner,  Aerotech Industries Philippines Inc., are the manufacturers of the parts of the trainer planes.

Rabena also reported that PAF was expecting more equipment as part of the modernization program of the entire Armed Forces.

He said PAF has acquired eight units of new combat utility helicopters, four of which would arrive in November this year and the other four to be delivered next year.