President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. praised on Wednesday the country’s air force pilots as he underscored the importance of increasing the Philippines’ defense capabilities to effectively guard its maritime territory.

“Ang gagaling talaga ng piloto natin. That’s why we have to continue to encourage the modernization of our Armed Forces para ‘yung capabilities natin ay mas tumibay pa,” President Marcos said in a media interview following his attendance in the launching of the ‘ Kadiwa ng Pangulo’ for workers in Quezon City.

“And we saw some of the capabilities that were demonstrated to me during the flight and we can see how important this increase in our capabilities is going to be, especially in the defense of our maritime territory,” the President added.

President Marcos flew onboard the 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 Tuesday.

The President described his fighter jet experience as “fantastic” and “very, very interesting”, saying his pilot did a good job as he did not even get dizzy and did not make it difficult for him.

Flying aboard a fighter jet was something he has been wanting to do, the President said.

During the PAF’s event in Pampanga, the President expressed confidence that the acquisition of modern aircraft by the Air Force will ultimately improve the country’s defense systems.

Aside from the flight capability demonstration of the FA-50PH fighter jets and its acceptance, President Marcos also led the turn-over and blessing ceremony of the C-295 Medium Lift Aircraft, the newest generation of tactical airlifter in the light and medium segment. (PND)