The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remains committed to acquiring multi-role fighter (MRF) aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to enhance the country’s aerial defense capabilities — despite recent progress in the procurement of 12 additional FA-50 light combat aircraft.
In a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo clarified that FA-50s and MRFs serve different functions and complement each other in bolstering the Air Force’s overall capabilities.
Castillo emphasized that the acquisition of multi-role fighter jets remains a top priority for the military.
“The plans or the proposal to acquire multi-role jet fighters are still pending and still part of our plans because we still need more,” she said.
“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. So far, there are no changes regarding the proposal for multi-role jet fighters,” she added.
In July of last year, AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized the military’s intention to acquire multi-role fighters, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approval of the procurement of these air assets.
“We need to get more of this, jet fighters and the multirole fighters, because these are actually bigger, faster, and more lethal than the FA-50s we have now,” he stressed.
The military is still considering several MRF options, including the US-made F-16 from Lockheed Martin and the JAS-39 Gripen from Swedish manufacturer Saab.
MRFs are advanced combat aircraft capable of fulfilling multiple roles, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
The MRF acquisition falls under Horizon 3 of the Revised AFP Modernization Program. In May 2024, the Philippines and Sweden signed a key agreement to support Manila’s planned procurement of MRFs.
Col. Castillo said the PAF continues to aim for significantly enhanced capabilities compared to the current 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 others. Definitely, the best we can have for the budget available.”
Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense (DND) last Saturday confirmed progress in the country’s acquisition of 12 more FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) of South Korea.
A Notice to Proceed was issued earlier this month for the deal, valued at over USD 700 million. The package includes mission equipment, integrated logistics support, and a training and logistics information system.
The FA-50 Block 70 is the latest version of the platform, featuring upgraded avionics, modern radar systems, and extended operational range. Delivery will be done in phases over the next five years, with completion expected by 2030.