BATANGAS, Philippines – The Philippine government will continue to modernize the military, especially the Philippine Air Force (PAF), with the appointment of its new head, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Friday.
During the PAF’s change of command ceremony held at the Fernando Air Base here, the President said that incoming chief Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado will continue the reforms initiated by his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz.
Gen. Delgado is the 33rd PAF chief. He is a seasoned combat pilot, and a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1982.
“Kumpiyansa naman po tayong higit pang titibay at lalakas ang hanay ng ating mga kawal lalo pa’t may gobyerno na kayong tunay na kumakalinga sa inyo (We are confident that the soldiers’ ranks will be strengthened even more especially with a government that takes care of their needs),” he said.
After the PAF retired its fleet of F-5 freedom fighter aircraft, the President said he wanted to acquire modern jets to hone the skills of PAF pilots.
The good news, he said, is that starting next year, PAF will start to receive the delivery of 12 new FA50 jets from South Korea.
The government also aims to buy eight combat utility helicopters; six close air support aircraft, two long-range patrol aircraft, and radar systems to beef up the country’s military capability in the midst of regional threats.
Acquiring a full-motion flight simulator is also part of government plans, he said, noting that it will help enhance the skills of PAF pilots.
Under the leadership of Gen. dela Cruz, the PAF acquired C-130 cargo planes, eight Polish-made Sokol combat utility helicopters, and 18 basic trainer aircraft.
“Tuloy-tuloy ang ating programang pabahay, mga proyektong pangkabuhayan, at ang paglalatag ng mga stratehiya para matutukan ang kapakanan, maging ng mga nagreretirong sundalo,” he said. “Sa nakalipas na halos apat na taon, nakamit natin ang positibong bunga ng ating mabuting pamamahala.
