AFP still in the market for multi-role fighters

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remains eager to acquire multi-role fighter (MRF) jets to enhance the country’s aerial defense capability, despite recent progress in the purchase of 12 additional FA-50 light combat aircraft from South Korea.

In a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo explained that FA-50s and MRFs serve different purposes and complement each other in strengthening the PAF’s overall capabilities.

Castillo emphasized that plans to acquire multi-role fighter jets are still active and remain a priority for the AFP.

“In spite of these 12 additional FA-50s, we would still need more fighter aircraft because we have a very wide archipelagic area to monitor and protect. So far, there have been no changes regarding the proposal for multi-role jet fighters,” she added.

In July of last year, AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. bared the military’s intention to acquire multi-role fighters, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approval of the procurement of the air assets.

“We need to get more of these, jet fighters and multi-role fighters, because these are actually bigger, faster, and more lethal than the FA-50s we now have,” he said.

Brawner previously said the military is keeping all options open for its multi-role fighter jet acquisition. Among the aircraft being considered are the US-made F-16 from Lockheed Martin and Sweden’s JAS-39 Gripen from Saab.

The government’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft Acquisition Project for the PAF is part of Horizon 3 of the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

In May 2024, the Philippines and Sweden signed a key agreement to support Manila’s planned acquisition of MRF aircraft.

Further, Castillo said the PAF still aims to acquire multi-role fighter aircraft with significantly enhanced capabilities compared to those currently in its fleet.

“Right now, what we are looking at for multi-role fighters is definitely better capabilities than what we currently have in our inventory,” she said.

“So, we’re looking at longer range, better firepower, among other things. Definitely, the best we can have for the budget available,” Castillo said.

Last Saturday, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced progress in the acquisition of 12 more FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft from a South Korean company.

A notice to proceed was issued earlier this month, formalizing the contract valued at over $700 million.

The comprehensive package includes mission equipment, integrated logistics support, and a training and logistics information system.

The FA-50 Block 70, acquired from the Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), represents the latest evolution of the FA-50 platform, featuring advanced avionics, modern radar systems, and extended operational range.

The aircraft’s delivery will be carried out in phases over the next five years, with full completion targeted for 2030.