Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50PH jet fighter pilots on Tuesday honed their aerial defense capabilities by holding “basic fighter maneuvers” (BFM) over the skies of west Zambales with their counterparts from the French Air Force (Armée de l’air et de l’espace). On Monday, two FA-50PH jets of the PAF while two Rafale jets, an A330M multi role tanker transport and an A400M military transport aircraft from the FASF held a joint flight over west Zambales to demonstrate the Rafale jets’ air-to-air refueling capabilities.
In a statement, PAF acting public affairs office chief Col. Rifiel Santiago Sotto said,”The two Rafale jet fighters of the FASF joined the drills. Both Air Forces demonstrated their tactical maneuvering skills and techniques in a simulated combat scenario, showcasing their proficiency in air-to-air combat. This joint aerial exercise is a key component of the French military’s Projection of a Heavy Air Package in Southeast Asia (PEGASE) 2024.”
The FA-50 is a light combat aircraft manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). It is a light combat version of KAI T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced jet trainer. The Philippine Air Force (PAF) chose 12 FA-50s to fulfill its requirement for a light attack and lead-in fighter trainer aircraft. The FA-50 is offered as an affordable and efficient supersonic advanced light attack platform. The advanced radar provides the FA-50 jet with detection capability, which is similar to that of the KF-16 fighter.
The Rafale has an empty weight of 10 tons, a maximum speed of 1,384 kilometers per hour, and can carry up to 9 tons of weaponry. It is equipped with laser-guided missiles, long-range SCALP missiles, air-to-ground and long-range Hammer missiles, and anti-ship AM35 Exocet missiles. Initially designed for air combat, the Rafale has evolved to target ground and maritime objectives. Other jets in the 4.5-generation category include the Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing F-18 Super Hornet, Sukhoi Su-30, and McDonnell Douglas F-15 Strike Eagle.
In addition to the Rafale, France displayed two other aircraft: the Airbus A400M Atlas and Airbus A330 MRTT Phénix. the Airbus A400M Atlas is a large transport aircraft with a length of 45 meters, a wingspan of 42 meters, and capable of carrying loads up to 37 metric tons, including armored personnel carriers (APCs) and trucks. The Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is a European aerial refuelling and military transport aircraft based on the civilian Airbus A330.
The Pégase Mission 2024 is part of France’s defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific region, running from June 27 to August 15, 2024. The exercise aims to strengthen military partnerships, enhance operational readiness, and ensure regional stability through collaborative training and strategic deployments. The mission includes visits to Canada, Alaska, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Qatar, and Egypt. In Singapore, France will conduct a joint military exercise with the UK, known as Griffin Strike.
