Republic of Korea Air Force KAI TA-50 Golden Eagle. (Credit Unknown)
Reports in the South Korean press are stating that the Philippines will acquire 12 TA-50 light attack aircraft from South Korea in a deal worth US$591.3 million, with each aircraft expected to cost US$29.8 million.
The Korea Aerospace Industries TA-50 Golden Eagle is part of a family of South Korean supersonic advanced trainers, light attack aircraft and multirole fighters. The TA-50 variant is a more heavily armed version of the T-50 trainer, intended for lead-in fighter training and light attack roles. Equipped with the Israeli EL/M-2032 radar, the TA-50 is designed to operate as a combat platform capable of employing precision-guided weapons, air-to-air missiles, and air-to-ground missiles. It is also capable of carrying external reconnaissance, targeting and electronic warfare pods.
We had previously speculated that reports of the Philippines planning to buy aircraft other than second-hand F-16s being offered by the United States was most likely a bluff, intended to secure a better deal. Looks like it's time to eat humble pie. Bon Appétit.
Its the best deal the Philippines can get and closer to a Multi Role Fighter Jet, DND and Philippines are better off buying the KAI TA50 Golden Eagle as a Start Forward to full Modernization of its Air Force..
ReplyDeleteYes I agree. I did feel that a combat-capable LIFT is the correct way to go to get a core of fighter pilots and crew trained in operations, tactics and doctrine, before moving to the next level.
ReplyDeleteI RATHER SUGGEST THAT THE T/A 50 WILL BE USED AS A PRIMARY FIGHTER OR ATTACK AIRCRAFT RATHER AT THE SAME TIME A TRAINER JET IN ABSENCE OF AN MRF. THIS WILL MAKE THEIR LIFE LONGER. BUT TO MAKE THESE JETS FIGHTER/ATTACK AND TRAINER AT THE SAME TIME WITH SO MANY PILOTS EAGERLY TO JUMP ON THESE JETS SURELY 2 TO 3 YEARS FROM THE TIME THEY FIRST SET FOOT ON OUR SOIL, SOME OF THESE PLANES WILL NOT BE FLYING. REMEMBER, WE DO NOT HAVE A LEGITIMATE MRF AND THE T/A 50 IS ALL WE GOT. WE STILL NEED A REAL MRF...AND ONCE WE HAVE THE MRFs THEN WE CAN USED THE 12 T/A 50s AS TRAINERS.
ReplyDeleteFor the first time Philippines will have a modern jet fight, but we still can't defend our country over china military force.
ReplyDeleteI think its like buying i7 laptop to be used for windows 98 word ..i mean without the armament which i think we will not bought tooo expensive the TA-50`s was as good as training jet..and of course to boost our confidence somehow
ReplyDeletewithout this..
Armament
Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) General Dynamics A-50 3-barreled rotary cannon
Rockets: Hydra 70, LOGIR
Missiles:
Air-to-air: AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM.[70]
Air-to-ground: AGM-65 Maverick
Bombs: Mk 82, Mk 83, and Mk 84 general purpose bombs with SPICE, JDAM, or JDAM-ER guidance kits; CBU-97/105 sensor fuzed weapons, laser-guided bombs
we could say its just a piece of training jet..and china will take it no treat definite not leverage ..if this jet go to scaborough shore they will take it a tourist jet passing the shore..
Hope arms were included in the package..
ramilcvaliente
Before any ac is acquired, a flt simulator is a pre requisite for pilot training and proficiency. What with only 20 hours a month,can a pilot remain proficient?
ReplyDeleteThe most likely scenario if 12 LIFT are eventually acquired will be that between 4-6 ac will only be funded for operational use and the remaining ac will be cannibalized for spares!
That does not end, as funding for the spare parts will still be provided but it will not be delivered and eventually become another "ghost" delivery and the money will be pocketed by high ranking corrupt officials.
Eventually, ac availabilty will suffer and pilot hours will go down even further. The end result will be pilots will even be less proficient therefore become "discurrent". I think only AirForce insiders know this as a fact.
You havent yet considered that pilots often perform stunt flying to impress friends/relatives and this has resulted to more loss of lives resulting toa very high attrition rate.
Ask any inside the AirForce and privately they will admit this as fact. Reckless AirForcePilots dont loose their license, but just get a slap in the back and an office assignment to cool his boots after an accident if they leave to tell the tale.
In the local press meanwhile, as accidents mount, the ac will be given a moniker as a "widowmaker"
Which leads me to add that the aircraft are no widowmakers, it is the pilot himself who brought himself to that situation. Professionalism, adherance to Flight Safety should be the foundation of the pilot corps.
Sadly because of low morale, this suffers and eventually the entire 12 ac fleet will be reduced to just 3-4 in a span of about 5-8 years.. Sad but true.
We cannot expect much to an aircraft like T/A-50(FA-50) which is originally design as a supersonic trainer to do a credible defense deterent to the Philippines..A dozen Trainer like T/A-50 will be best in training the young pilot of PAF in modern fighter..but it
ReplyDeletewill not provide a whole coverage of a real air defense matter for the Philippines