PAF SIAI-Marchetti SF.260

The Philippine Air Force has long been associated with SIAI-Marchetti SF.260. The first SF.260 arrived in August 1967. All SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 delivered to PAF were brand new from the factory from SIAI-Marchetti factory in Italy.

Twenty-seven SIAI-Marchetti SF.260MP were delivered in May 1973 onwards. Most were later reported traded in for SIAI-Marchetti SF.260TP.

Eighteen SIAI-Marchetti SF.260TP were ordered in December 1991 and delivered in July 1993. Seven of the SIAI-Marchetti SF.260TP were assigned to the 15th Strike Wing and assigned to the 18th Assault Squadron based at Atienza Air Base in the light strike role.

The first aircraft were all assigned to the 100th Training Wing (102 Pilot Training Squadron) flying out of Fernando Air Base in Batangas province. They were used for both primary and advanced flight training until the delivery of the SIAI-Marchetti S.211 which took over the Advanced Training role.

The SIAI-Marchetti SF.260TP continue to be used in the primary training role based in Rajah Buayan Air Base in Davao.

In December 2004, the PAF is negotiating with Aerotech Industries Philippines for the long term lease of three ex-Zimbabwe Air Force SIAI-Marchetti SF.260MZ rebuilt by Aerotech.

Updated On: 12.02.12