The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has a diverse fleet of aircraft, each serving a unique role in the defense of the country. One such aircraft is the SIAI-Marchetti AS-211 , locally referred to as the "Warrior" . The AS-211 Warrior The AS-211 is a jet trainer aircraft that was first delivered to the PAF in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These aircraft served in a training role with a secondary attack function during the 1990s and into the 2000s. The AS-211 can carry a crew of two, has a cruise speed of around 667 km/h (414 mph, 360 knots) , and can carry guns, rockets, and unguided bombs for close-air support missions. The Warrior’s Evolution In 1997, SIAI-Marchetti was acquired by Aermacchi , who continued to work with the PAF in relation to its AS-211 fleet . With the final retirement of the F-5 fleet in October 2005, the AS-211s filled their role in the external Philippine air defense mission. To help the AS-211 fit the role, a project was initiated to reclaim the optical...