WARRIORS

The first batch of the Italian-made, locally assembled SF-260W MARCHETTI AIRCRAFT, arrived in late FEBRUARY 1975. The 17th Attack Squadron was activated on 01 October 1974 and was projected to man the SIAI-FRAT-260 Warriors (SF-260W). On 17 March 1975, three (3) SF-260W aircraft were deployed at the 15th SW Advance Command Post at Francisco Bangoy Airport, Davao City. On 15 April of the same year, the SF-260 Marchettis, piloted by Lt Col Lana and Lt Abaday, wreaked havoc to rebel encampments in Balabagan, Sapakan and Reina Regente, in Central Mindanao.