VERA Files
A YouTube channel published a video that claims to show a P30-million fighter jet manufactured by a Filipino. This is false. It passed off as locally-made an aircraft manufactured by Boeing, an American aerospace corporation.
Posted on YouTube on May 15, the one-minute and 45-second video bore the headline:
“MAPAPABILIB KA PINAS FIGHTER JET NA GINAWA NG PINOY (YOU WILL BE AMAZED FIGHTER JET MADE BY A FILIPINO)! PHILIPPINE VINES BREAKING NEWS VIRAL.”
Its thumbnail bore a “breaking news” label and featured an aircraft with two photos of the Philippines flag digitally added on its wings. The video’s contents featured clips of jet maneuvers while text stated that the “Filipino inventor” behind the machine said it can be used by the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
The jet in the video actually shows the Finnish Air Force’s McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet during the Royal International Air Tattoo in Fairford, England in July 2019.
On Aug. 2, 2019, the YouTube channel KNIGHT FLIGHT VIDEO uploaded the original clips of the aircraft in a solo display. The clips were mirrored in the false video.
The Finnish Air Force’s fact sheet on the F/A-18C model states it was made by McDonnell Douglas, which later merged with Boeing.
The video was uploaded three days after the conclusion of the 12-day “Cope Thunder” military exercise between the PAF and the United States Air Force.
Earlier this month, PAF spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo also expressed hope that legislators would approve a budget that will allow the Armed Forces to secure multirole fighter jets as part of its modernization program.
YouTube channel Ella Vloggs (created on Feb. 15, 2019) uploaded the video which has 46,206 views as of writing. Facebook page Jaffar 1.7as (Feb. 16, 2023) reposted a cropped version of the video garnering 284 reactions, 29 comments, 19 shares and 4,200 views.
VERA Files Fact Check previously debunked other false content spread by this YouTube channel. (Read Video does NOT show PCG chasing Vietnamese boat in Palawan)
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