(Manila, 17th) — The administration of Philippine President Marcos is committed to strengthening the nation's air defense capabilities. The latest example is the Philippine Air Force’s completion in June of a purchase of 12 advanced light fighter jets from Korea, aimed at enhancing its air defense capacity and regional response level.
President Marcos, speaking at the Philippine Air Force (PAF) 78th anniversary event on July 1, stated that the Air Force plays a crucial role in national security, disaster response, and law enforcement, and that the government will continue to support its modernization.
He said: "The government will do everything possible to provide the Philippine Air Force with the most advanced equipment, training, and facilities."
The purchase, announced by the Philippine Department of National Defense on June 14, involves a $700 million (approximately 3.3 billion ringgit) contract signed with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The agreement includes mission equipment, logistics support systems, as well as training and information systems.
The procured FA-50 Block 70 light fighter jets are upgraded versions of the existing FA-50 series, equipped with advanced avionics, modern radar systems, and a longer operational range.
The Philippine Department of National Defense noted that this procurement is part of the country's defense concept, symbolizing Manila authorities’ ongoing commitment to strengthening national defense and also deepening defense cooperation with Korea.
The batch of fighter jets will be delivered in phases, with full delivery expected to be completed before 2030.
The Philippines currently already has 11 FA-50PH fighter jets, which were procured between 2015 and 2017 under the first phase of the Armed Forces Modernization Plan, costing a total of 18.9 billion pesos. The new aircraft will reinforce the current fleet, further boosting the air force’s combat capability.
President Marcos, speaking at the Philippine Air Force (PAF) 78th anniversary event on July 1, stated that the Air Force plays a crucial role in national security, disaster response, and law enforcement, and that the government will continue to support its modernization.
He said: "The government will do everything possible to provide the Philippine Air Force with the most advanced equipment, training, and facilities."
The purchase, announced by the Philippine Department of National Defense on June 14, involves a $700 million (approximately 3.3 billion ringgit) contract signed with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The agreement includes mission equipment, logistics support systems, as well as training and information systems.
The procured FA-50 Block 70 light fighter jets are upgraded versions of the existing FA-50 series, equipped with advanced avionics, modern radar systems, and a longer operational range.
The Philippine Department of National Defense noted that this procurement is part of the country's defense concept, symbolizing Manila authorities’ ongoing commitment to strengthening national defense and also deepening defense cooperation with Korea.
The batch of fighter jets will be delivered in phases, with full delivery expected to be completed before 2030.
The Philippines currently already has 11 FA-50PH fighter jets, which were procured between 2015 and 2017 under the first phase of the Armed Forces Modernization Plan, costing a total of 18.9 billion pesos. The new aircraft will reinforce the current fleet, further boosting the air force’s combat capability.