The Philippine Air Force recently received a boost to its modernization program with the acquisition of a new supersonic interceptor.
Besides flying at supersonic speed it is highly maneouverable and can out-turn any fighter aircraft in a dogfight. It also has stealth capability with its small size, low radar signature, low heat emission and silent flying characteristics.
With barely 19 days since becoming Chief of the Philippine Air Force, Lt. General Horacio S. Tolentino has already accomplished where other Air Force chiefs before him have failed. This event augurs well for the PAF.
What is remarkable is, it was achieved without foreign funding or foreign government intervention.
This is really part of the AFP's self-reliant program. "This program will be implemented to the fullest till we have squadrons of interceptors and ultimately squadrons of night-capable fighters" said the likeable general.
With the Philippines perceived as having the weakest air force in the region, the interceptor will be used in tandem with our current frontline jet aircraft, the SIAI-Marchetti S211 jet, the Northrop F-5 having been put on temporary storage.
Aerial strategic tactics will place the interceptor between two S211s flying in formation. At the appropriate strategic time and distance, it will break formation to engage air intruders head-on. With its speed and cunning, enemy aircrafts won't know what hit them.
This tactic was employed during air combat axercises and was proven highly effective.
Picture below shows two S211 on routine patrol in the vicinity of Mayon volcano in Albay. The nearest S211 with call sign number 804 in two-tone air superiority camouflage have flown in formation with the tropical camouflaged 023 aircraft. The picture was taken a split second after the interceptor have broken formation to engage hostile aircraft.
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PACLAND
Philippine Air Force acquires new interceptor!
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