President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. flies onboard Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) FA-50PH Fighter Jet to witness its capability in a flight demonstration at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga on March 7, 2023.

The activity is conducted upon the invitation of PAF for the Commander-in-Chief to personally test the aircraft.

Lieutenant Colonel Malbert Maquiling, who accompanies the President as his pilot in command (PIC), honors the Commander-in-Chief with a 'Fighter's Toast' in celebration of a safe, successful and triumphant flight, ensuing with a presentation of symbolic patches and certificate.

Prior to the flight demonstration, the President earlier stressed the importance of upgrading the Air Force to address the challenges posed by the country’s archipelagic nature and geostrategic location, saying that, “As much as our maritime environment provides us with much needed resources, it also requires us to constantly adapt to become more mobile and agile”.

“To this end, our FA-50 Fighter Jets shall improve our maritime patrol capability, aid our Air Force in monitoring the developments within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, and provide close air support to our combat troops,” he added.

President Marcos Jr. also affirmed that his Administration will remain steadfast in its commitment to pursue modernization efforts for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“With the demonstration of the flight capability of the FA-50, we can all look forward to the greater heights that the Philippines will reach in the years to come,” he said, concluding his message during the acceptance, turnover and blessing of the C-295 Medium Lift Aircraft.

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