The government of Philippines is considering the possibility of acquiring 12 operational trainers from one of four foreign suppliers, including Russia, in the network of air forces’ modernization program, RIA Novosti reports with reference to Philippines News Agency (PNA).

Manila will make its final choice between Yak-130 (Russia), KAI TA-50 (South Korea), M-346 (Italy) and Hawk (UK) in July, the agency noted with reference to Philippine Minister of Defense, Voltaire Gazmin.

"The program for modernization of our air forces has reached its peak and these projects will surely provide Philippine air forces with brand-new and reliable vehicles", - the minister noted.

Philippine air forces need operational trainers because after putting the outdated F-5A/B fighters (acquired in 1965) out of service in 2005, the Philippine pilots had no other jet aircraft. So the flying personnel needs re-training, PNA noted.

The unique Yak-130 aircraft developed by Yakovlev design bureau enables training of pilots at the most advanced level for Russian and foreign 4+ and 5-generation combat aircraft. The aircraft is a part of training facility including integrated system of objective control, training computer classrooms, flight and special simulators.