Philippine Airforce F/A-50 "Fighting Eagle" will be the centerpiece of the 80th AFP founding anniversary celebration

Photo from KAI

"Ninety percent the (first two) F/A-50s will play a role in the coming 80th AFP founding anniversary."

This is the statement of Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez during an interview by PNA on Thursday.

Galvez said that it is very likely that the F/A-50s will play the centerpiece of this year's celebration. 

"I don't know whether the planes will perform a high-speed pass or not but I know the aircraft will be the centerpiece of the celebration," the DND spokesperson disclosed.

These statements coincides with President Benigno "NoyNoy" Aquino's statement during the PAF's Anniversary.

SEE: Philippine Air Force Modernization Program Shall Continue Under the Flight Plan 2028

Photo from: KAI FB page

The South Korean-made F/A-50 "Fighting Eagle" has completed it's maiden flight last June 19 and Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) promised to do their best to deliver initial 2 aircraft by the end of the year.

Philippines has signed a contract for 12 KAI FA-50 fighter aircraft in March last year with a budget amounting to Php18.9-billion.

Photo from: KAI FB page

The 80th founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be celebrated this coming December.