Philippine and Korean Defense Departments inked-in MOU to fast-tract FA-50 Acquisition

President Benigno Aquino III South Korean Visit 2013 Photos

President Benigno Aquino III and President Park Geun-hye witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation between Defense Secretary Voltair Gazmin and his Korean counterpart.

The MOU on defense cooperation aims to fast-track the process for the acquisition of 12 lead-in fighter jets and other military equipments which is under negotiation with South Korea as part of the Armed Forces modernization plan.

Artist rendition of FA-50 in PAF Standard Color Scheme with S211 Trainers

DND has allotted P18.976 billion for the purchase of these 12 brand new FA-50 jets that would primarily be used to train pilots and serve as Light Lead-in Fighter to increase the capability of the military to patrol the country’s borders.

 “We’re just finishing some things both in their laws and our laws regarding the procurement. The details were really plenty. But the bottom line is that both sides agreed to try and expedite the arms purchase and the delivery of these planes,” President Aquino said.

Related topic: Philippine Airforce to recieve first two of twelve FA-50's by 4'th Quarter of 2014