Air Force acquires 18 new trainer aircraft

MANILA, Philippines - The 18 new SF-260 trainer aircraft acquired from Italy were formally presented to Philippine Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena at the Fernando Airbase in Lipa City, Batangas last Wednesday.

“(The 18 trainers) are fully operational and we are proud to announce that we have 18 brand new basic trainers in our possession,” PAF spokesman Lt. Col. Miguel Okol said in a text message. “These were formally presented to the commanding-general and it is part of our modernization (efforts),” he added.

The planes were acquired from Italian firm Alenia Aermacchi S.p.A. for P622.59 million inclusive of integrated logistics support.

The 18 planes were delivered in four batches. The first batch arrived on Oct. 12, 2010 while the second and third batches were delivered on Nov. 29, 2010 and March 1, 2011, respectively.

Okol said the basic trainer aircraft would address the needs of the Air Education and Training Command.

“These aircraft units are completed with some parts produced and fully assembled in the Philippines through Aermacchi’s local industry partner Aerotech Industries Philippines Inc. in Clark Field Pampanga,” he said.

Okol said the SF-260 model is being used by 27 military customers, civil professional flying schools and private groups worldwide. The propeller-driven, two-seater plane has been the backbone of the PAF training schools for the past decades.

“Once graduated, quality and competent pilots are expected to operate air assets of the Air Force and perform various missions related to rescue operations, security and other support functions to peace and national development,” Okol said.

In a 2010 report released recently, COA said the PAF only has 31 aging airplanes and 54 helicopters in its inventory.

The report said only 91 of the 339 aircraft in PAF’s inventory are full mission-capable, 81 are inactive and the rest are for disposal.

COA said the PAF “virtually has a non-existent air deterrent capability.” The PAF’s last fighter fleet comprised F5 Freedom fighters which were decommissioned in 2005.

The Air Force plans to acquire air defense radars, lead-in fighter trainer aircraft, surface attack aircraft, light lift transport, a C-130 cargo plane and attack helicopters.