Air Force crash revives debate on Philippine military’s modernisation limits

AI Summary

A collision involving two Philippine Air Force training aircraft killed four pilots at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas. The crash has renewed debate about the military’s ability to maintain aircraft, train pilots and safely modernize its aging fleet as it seeks more advanced combat aircraft.

The collision of two Philippine Air Force training aircraft that killed four pilots has raised questions about whether the service’s training, maintenance and safety systems can keep pace with Manila’s ambitions to acquire more advanced combat aircraft. The crash, which occurred during a fly-by rehearsal at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas province, south of Manila, on Friday has renewed calls for a comprehensive review of the Air Force’s ageing fleet, pilot instruction, maintenance...