The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is actively pursuing the acquisition of multi-role fighter (MRF) aircraft to enhance its capabilities beyond its existing fleet, including the recently acquired FA-50s. These new MRFs are intended to be more advanced than the current aircraft, particularly in terms of air-to-air combat capabilities. The PAF is looking at platforms that offer superior capabilities, potentially Generation 4.0 or 4.5, which include features like fly-by-wire systems, advanced avionics, and stealth capabilities.
“Of course, the plans or the proposal to acquire multi-role jet fighters is still pending and still part of our plans because we still need more,” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said at briefing yesterday. “In spite of these 12 additional FA-50s, we would still be needing more fighter aircraft because we have a very wide archipelagic area to protect and monitor,” Castillo said.
The Department of National Defense earlier announced the approval of the acquisition of 12 fighter jets from South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. for $700 million, with delivery to be made in phases over the next five years or until 2030. Castillo noted that with the acquisition of more air assets, the PAF would also be training more pilots under the training programs or packages included in the acquisition contracts.
“Right now, the efforts of the Air Force, whenever we have pending acquisitions, we already prepare for them ahead of time. So the procurement of pilots, new pilots are ongoing. The upgrades of our current pilots are also ongoing. We are going to make sure that we have enough pilots to fly those new FA-50s once they come,” she said. “better capabilities than what we currently have in our inventory,” adding they have “longer range, better firepower, among others.”
Armed Forces Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner earlier said the military needs more multi-role fighters to enhance the country’s defense capabilities.
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