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PAF: Acquisition of more FA-50 combat jets won't affect MRF project

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
June 18, 2025, 9:53 am

MANILA -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said the acquisition of multi-role fighters (MRFs) remains a part of its modernization program.

This is despite the approval of the PAF's procurement of an additional 12 brand-new and more sophisticated versions of the South Korean-made FA-50 aircraft.

"Of course, the plans or the proposal to acquire MRFs are still pending and still part of our plans because we still need more. In spite of these 12 additional FA-50s, we would still need more fighter aircraft because we have a very wide archipelagic area to protect and monitor. So far, no changes regarding the proposal for multi-role jet fighters, but of course, this can be further answered by the (Department of National Defense)," PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a press briefing Tuesday.

Castillo made the response when asked whether the latest acquisition of additional FA-50 aircraft for the PAF would affect the procurement of the MRFs.

"No, both of our proposals (additional FA-50s and the MRFs) were forwarded to the Defense Department, and we are very happy that the proposal for additional FA-50 jets, the notice to proceed, has been given," Castillo said.

Castillo said the PAF has submitted information on the general capabilities of the MRF to the DND, which is in charge of the acquisition.

The contract for the 12 additional FA-50s was signed between the DND and the Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. last June 4, 2025.

Earlier reports said the Philippines is eyeing the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 "Viper" and the Saab JAS-39C/D "Gripen" MRFs for the PAF's MRF project.

The budget for the MRF acquisition is placed at PHP61 billion.

These proposed MRFs are expected to augment the existing fleet of 12 South Korean-made Mach 1.5-capable FA-50PH jet aircraft acquired from 2015 to 2017 by the PAF as its first supersonic aircraft after the decommissioning of its Northrop F-5 jet fighters in 2005.

The F-16 Block 72/70 is the latest and most advanced F-16 in operation and is considered the foremost combat-proven 4th-generation MRF.

It is equipped with advanced radar systems, allowing it greater detection and tracking capabilities along with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.

Meanwhile, the JAS-39 "Gripen" C/D is classified as the most reliable "swing-role combat aircraft" available in the world today. The "C" version is a single-seat aircraft while the "D" version is a two-seater configuration.

The Swedish-made fighter requires minimal personnel and ground support equipment for dispersed operations and can operate from small unprepared roads. It is also equipped with sophisticated radar and sensors and weapons. (PNA)