First Combat Mission

Philippine Air Force (PAF) Korean Aerospace Industries FA-50PH Fighting Eagles conducted the type’s first combat sortie on January 26. Two FA-50PHs carried out night bombing sorties against an Abu Sayyaf insurgent camp in Butig, Lanao del Sur, showcasing the night and surface attack capabilities of the FA-50PH. While the munitions used were not specified, they were likely to be 500lb Mk82 bombs.

According to Armed Forces of Philippines Chief of StaffGeneral Eduardo Año, the air force will continue using the fighter jets against the terrorists.

Two more FA-50PHs were due to be delivered to the PAF in February, adding to the four currently in service; 12 were ordered in 2014 and form part of a modernisation plan dubbed Flight Plan 2028.

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