CLARKFIELD, Pampanga – Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales has given the go signal for the revival of a $13.1 million project for the acquisition of 18 new SF260 trainer aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) as part of the Armed Forces modernization program.

Gonzales said he has approved the amended contract for the supply and delivery of trainer aircraft by Italian company Alenia Aermacchi and its local partner, Aerotech Industries Philippines.

He revealed the approval of the amended contract during a visit to the Aerotech aircraft parts manufacturing and assembly facility at the Clark Free Port Zone.

The amended contract was endorsed by new AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Delfin Bangit and by PAF commanding general, Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena.

SF 260 aircraft parts supplied by Aermacchi will be assembled by Aerotech in Clark. Some parts of the aircraft will also be manufactured by the local company.

The project is expected to boost not only the AFP modernization program but also the country’s aviation industry through the transfer of technology.

Aermacchi is transferring its aircraft assembly and some parts manufacturing to its local partner.

Succeeding orders for aircraft and parts from Aermacchi will be sourced through Aerotech Philippines, the company said.

The contract with the Italian company also involves integrated logistics package such as pilot, technical and maintenance training and after-sales support, including provision of initial equipment and spare parts.

The SF 260 trainer aircraft is in service with 27 different military customers, civil professional flying schools and private operations worldwide, with almost 1,000 units in flight operations, according to Aerotech.

Aside from the PAF, Aermacchi’s latest customer is the Italian Airforce which acquired 30 SF 260 jets.

In his message after his visit, Gonzales underscored the importance of upgrading and modernizing the country’s armed forces.

The defense secretary said it isnot only about building the country’s defense capability, but also about “triggering national pride by making the people proud of their armed forces, which are the ultimate symbol of their love for their country.”

“Making our people proud of the armed forces and of our country is essential in mobilizing them for national transformation. We need to make the transformation from Third World to First World,” he said.