By Tarra Quismundo
The Philippine Daily InquirerSending a five-man team to look over Chinese-made aircraft being offered for sale to the Air Force was neither an endorsement nor a commitment to buy, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino said Friday.
The PAF team went to China on the invitation of aircraft manufacturer China Aviation Industry Corp. (CATIC) to view its line of utility helicopters and fixed-wing transport aircraft.
"There's an open bidding, but so far they are the only ones who have invited us to look at their products," said Tolentino.
He said the PAF paid for the trip of the team, which is expected to return to Manila this weekend.
The team includes representatives from the Cebu-based 220th Airlift Wing and the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing and is headed by PAF Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Pedro Ike Insierto.
The Air Force is looking to replace its aging fleet, which currently has no China-made aircraft in its roster.
Tolentino said military asset procurement is a long and complicated process and the ocular inspection mission should not be taken as a sign that the PAF would buy China-made aircraft.
The Chinese offer came as questions are being raised worldwide about the integrity of China-made products, from toys to food items.
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=4228.0