MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is optimistic about acquiring 12 additional FA-50 fighter jets as part of its ongoing modernization program.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the procurement of the Korea-made aircraft is now in the pipeline, boosting the current fleet of 11 FA-50PHs acquired from 2015 to 2017 for PHP18.9 billion.
“The acquisition of 12 more FA-50s is highly possible,” Brawner told reporters. “It’s already in progress.”
The proposed purchase is part of the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) Horizon 3 initiative, aimed at enhancing intelligence, deterrence, and area denial capabilities.
Meanwhile, Brawner said the AFP is still evaluating which multi-role fighter (MRF) to acquire, with affordability and operational suitability as key criteria. Options include the U.S.-made F-16 Vipers and Sweden’s JAS-39 Gripen.
“We are still determining what we can afford and what fits our needs best,” Brawner said.
He welcomed the recent announcement by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency that the U.S. State Department approved a potential sale of 20 F-16s to the Philippines, worth USD5.58 billion. The offer includes spare parts, munitions, sensors, and pilot training—but no final decision has been made.
“These platforms are crucial to strengthening our air defense,” Brawner emphasized.
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