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South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has delivered all 12 ordered FA-50PH ‘Fighting Eagle’ Fighter/Surface Attack/Lead-in Fighter Trainer (F/SA/LIFT) aircraft for the Philippine Air Force, three months ahead of expected completion.

KAI delivered all Fighting Eagles in batches of two. The final batch of said aircraft with tail numbers 011 and 012 arrived today.

The P18.9 billion-worth contract’s complete delivery was expected August 2017 basing on the first delivery last November 28, 2015.

According to agreed schedule, delivery of second and third unit will be 12 months after the delivery of first and two units. Then the remaining 8 units will be delivered in staggered basis within 8 months after the delivery of 3rd and 4th aircraft.

The first two FA-50PH units were delivered last November 28, 2015 followed by another 2 last December 8, 2016. The third batch was turned over to the PAF last February 22 this year. The fourth batch arrived last March 29, the fifth batch arrived last April 26.

All ten Fighting Eagles are now in active Air Force service. The newly delivered jets will undergo acceptance procedure.

FA-50PHs will act as the country’s interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and funding for the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.