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New PAF chief vows to implement 'integrated air defense system'

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
December 19, 2024, 3:12 pm

MANILA -- Newly appointed Philippine Air Force (PAF) commander Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura on Thursday pledged to successfully implement an "integrated air defense system" under his term.

"In this respect, under my term, I intend to pursue a command thrust that focuses on the mission essential task and clearly defines the imperatives for a successful implementation of an integrated air defense system," Cordura said as he assumed command of the PAF during rites held at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Cordura replaces Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño, who retired from the service after 37 years.

An integrated air defense system is defined by military experts as having the "structure, equipment, personnel, procedures, and weapons used to counter the enemy's airborne penetration" of one's territory.

Cordura, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1990 and an alumnus of the PAF Flying School, said his command thrust would center on the catchphrase "Focused Philippine Air Force," which is mission-oriented and values-based.

"This is a command thrust that is a call for retrospection, a call for action, and a call to become a learning organization. It shall be consistent with the 'Bagong Pilipinas' call for a genuine and inclusive development and transformation strategy and will support the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) in the development of the AFP's capabilities," he said.

Cordura added that a focused air service would allow the PAF to facilitate its eventual transition to full territorial defense operations, and address the CADC imperatives for force projection and air interdictions.

He also said that this would enable the PAF to "assimilate technologies" that would allow it to operate effectively across all domains, particularly cyber, and empower its human resources to prepare them for present and future tasks.

Cordura also promised to ensure that the PAF is focused on what is mission essential and what promotes interoperability, jointness, and excellence in combined operations.

"This underscores the need to rethink how the non-mission essentials should be regulated to allow uninterrupted and optimum human and material support in the development of the PAF warfighting capabilities, ensure compliance with the National Military Strategy, the Defense Planning Guidance of 2024, the General Security of Military Information Agreement and adherence to the Philippine Air Force Flight Plan 2040," he added.

He also assured that all actions done would enhance the air service's capability.

He noted that capability-driven organizations look at all dimensions that make it responsive, reliable, and effective.

"As a result, our capabilities should constitute the ability to synchronize air power and pursue the completion of a near-to-ideal integrated air defense system, capability to operate safely and effectively, and capability of our project management teams to identify, procure, and sustain platforms following the DSOM (defense system of management) framework with consideration of the new legal issuances," Cordura said. (PNA)