May 27, 2001, Philippine Star, No sorry state for Air Force,

May 27, 2001, Philippine Star, No sorry state for Air Force,

There is no truth to rumors that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is planning to put up a museum for want of parking space for its aging fleet.

Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Defensor said yesterday that although it would be a mistake to describe the present state of the PAF as "sorry," it is true that the Air Force does not have the funds to buy spare parts for its planes.

Defensor told the press in a forum at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City last Friday that the Air Force only has 130 aircraft, 70 of which can fly. Of these 70, some are under repair, awaiting the arrival of spare parts from abroad.

Air Force spokesman Col. Lino Lapinid said that a case in point are the PAF’s 15 F-5s. Of the 15, only five are still flying.

During the forum, the Air Force officials treated guests and the press to a video presentation of fighter jets flying in tandem and engaging the enemy.

When asked if the video show was a memento of the PAF’s past glories, Defensor said, "But we still have some of them flying." He did not elaborate.

But the Air Force chief expressed optimism that the PAF would be able to purchase by next year 30 fighter jets and helicopters upon the approval of their request for funds under the Armed Forces modernization program. – Rey Arquiza