MANILA, (PNA) — President Benigno Aquino III said the Philippines and South Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding on military cooperation, particularly on training and purchase of weapons and aircraft.
Aquino said both countries agreed to “try and expedite” the arms purchase and the delivery of new Korean lead-in fighter FA-50 planes to the Philippines.
“I think brand new, brand new. I think the number is 12 e… Squadron of 12,” Aquino said.
“We’re handling this G-to-G (government to government) procurement… there were several models that were looked at by the Air Force and after all of the negotiations, parang this is their preference, ‘yung itong Korean lead-in fighter,” he added.
On the part of the Philippines, Aquino said the military could possibly help in training especially in jungle warfare though the details would still be worked out.
“Well, you know, meron tayong mga insurgencies. Jungle warfare, I think, would be one of our expertise. The details will still be worked out, ano, ‘yung exactly what they expect for us, what we expect from them,” he said.
He also thanked the Korean government for supporting the country’s position for a peaceful settlement of the West Philippine Sea dispute with China.