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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider South Korean aerospace firm backs PAF modernization

South Korean aerospace firm backs PAF modernization

Published Jun 21, 2023 05:18 am
South Korean aerospace company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) expressed support to modernize the fleet and capabilities of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to help the country address emerging and future security threats in Southeast Asia.

Kim Sang Eung, regional manager and chief of KAI’s Aircraft BD and Sustainment Philippines, speaks at the Air Force Symposium 2023 at Marriott Hotel in Pasay City on June 21, 2023. (Photo by Martin Sadongdong / MANILA BULLETIN)

 KAI was among the presenters and exhibitors at the Air Force Symposium (AFS) 2023 held at Marriott Hotel in Pasay City on Wednesday, June 21. This year’s symposium carried the theme “Strengthening relations through collaboration and interoperability while adapting to current trends to confront emerging and future threats.” Kim Sang Eung, regional manager and chief of KAI’s Aircraft BD and Sustainment Philippines, suggested three strategies to PAF for it to be able to achieve its Flight Plan 2040. The Flight Plan 2040 was formulated in 2014 as the PAF envisioned itself to be a “credible and agile air force” by 2040 so that it can quickly respond to national and regional security needs and adapt to modern warfare. In his presentation, Kim said that PAF should be able to acquire three upgraded FA-50 fighter jet squadrons which would be placed in three key points around the country “for covering the whole Philippine territory and rapid response to threats.” The FA-50PH is one of, if not the most advance aircraft in the PAF’s fleet, which saw action in the 2017 Marawi siege.  At present, the PAF has 12 units of FA-50PH fighter jet which is equivalent to one squadron. These were acquired by PAF from KAI for P18.9 billion from 2015 to 2017. Further, Kim added that the PAF should also retrofit its current FA-50PH fleet. “The existing FA-50PH can be easily upgraded to support air-to-ground, air-to-sea, and air-to-air mission objectives, and meet PAF’s operational requirements,” he said. Lastly, Kim introduced the idea of the integration of the KF-21 Boramae, an advanced multi-role aircraft being developed by South Korea, into the PAF fleet. He said the KF-21 has state-of-the-art features including advance precision weapons, Aesa radar and advanced avionics with a maximum speed of 1,400 miles per hour. It is expected to be fielded by KAI in 2026.

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