Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura on Tuesday underscored the need for comprehensive preparedness across all domains to secure the future of the country's air power.
"As we mark 78 years of service, we look beyond the horizon with clarity and resolve. The future of air power demands readiness across all domains," he said in his speech during the PAF's 78th founding anniversary at the PAF headquarters in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
Cordura also touted the improvements in the country's air capabilities, particularly with the completion of the integrated air defense system.
"Across our vast and porous archipelago, your Air Force has risen to that call, flying and defending our airspace and territorial integrity. More importantly, we transitioned mindset, posturing from internal security operations to territorial defense operations," Cordudra said.
The PAF, he noted, continued to advance its capabilities in surveillance, precision strike, advanced systems, integrated air defense, and adapting its space capabilities.
"We are also evolving our doctrines, force structure, and strategic partnerships to ensure that we remain relevant and decisive in times of peace and in times of crisis," Cordura added.
He continued. "But more than platforms and systems, it is our values that propel us forward: integrity, service above self, teamwork, excellence, and professionalism."
Cordura recalled President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s challenge to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to sharpen its operational abilities in territorial defense amid a shift of focus to internal threats.
"We understood the gravity of your mandate and the urgency of your vision," he said.
"We remain relevant and decisive in times of peace and in times of crisis. But more than platforms and systems, it is our values that propel us forward: integrity, service above self, teamwork, excellence, and professionalism," he added.