Page 6 - ADAS 2024 - DAY 1

Philippine Multi-Role Fighter Acquisition

Moves Ahead Amid Budget Constraints

significant asset for the PAF. These AEWC
systems would allow the PAF to improve
its surveillance and reconnaissance ca-
pabilities, enhancing overall air force ef-
fectiveness. That said, these systems are
also compatible with the F-16 and KF-21,
meaning the decision will likely come down
to factors beyond system compatibility.

Furthermore, another option that is also
being considered by the DND is KAI’s FA-50
Block-20, though this fighter would likely
serve a different role in the Philippines’
broader modernisation programme.
Alongside this, other aircraft, such as the
Indian Tejas, French Rafale, and Eurofighter
Typhoon, have also been evaluated as
part of the Philippines’ long-term plans.
Nevertheless, the KF-21, F-16, and Gripen
remain the top contenders for the MRF
project.
The Philippines’ Department of National procurement, beginning with the purchase
Defence (DND) and the Philippine Air Force of 12 new fighters. The remainder of the Meanwhile, the US has expressed strong
(PAF) are actively exploring their options for acquisition would depend on the estab- interest in supporting the Philippines’ de-
acquiring 40 Multirole Fighters (MRF) as lishment of a legal framework for govern- fence initiatives. A proposed law in the US
part of their ongoing modernisation efforts. ment-to-government soft loans, which would Congress, known as the Philippine Enhanced
With a budget of around PHP 61.2 billion be necessary to finance the full scope of Resilience Act (PERA), could provide up to
allocated for the programme’s first phase, the project. USD 2.5 billion in Foreign Military Financing
the DND is weighing offers from various (FMF), part of which could be used to fund
manufacturers, each with different advan- Other major contenders for the remaining the MRF programme. This would give the
tages and limitations. 30 aircraft include the American-made F-16 F-16 a substantial edge over its competi-
Block 70/72 Viper and Sweden’s JAS-39 tors, as the FMF support would enable the
Among the leading candidates is the South Gripen. The PAF has reportedly expressed Philippines to proceed with the acquisition
Korean-made KF-21 Block-I, which has gar- a preference for the F-16 due to its exten- without needing to establish a complex legal
nered significant attention. Korea Aerospace sive access to American spare parts and framework for loans. The financial assis-
Industries (KAI) has formally proposed sup- its compatibility with existing US support tance would ease budget constraints and
plying 10 units for the initial phase of the infrastructure. These logistical benefits potentially push the PAF towards favouring
MRF acquisition. This proposal is within the are further supported by long-standing de- the F-16, despite the logistical and opera-
available budget for Phase 1, offering full fence agreements between the US and the tional advantages of the Gripen. KAI’s KF-21
air-to-air capabilities. However, the Block-I Philippines, including the Mutual Defence remains a strong competitor in the MRF
variant is somewhat limited in terms of air- Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement. race, particularly due to its affordability and
to-ground functionality, though this is not However, the Swedish Gripen presents a future upgrade potential. The aircraft’s ability
considered a critical flaw for air defence strong case as well. Saab, the manufac- to carry both the Meteor and AIM-120C7
and interdiction missions. turer, has emphasised the Gripen’s lower AMRAAM missiles makes it a versatile
operational costs and compatibility with the option for the PAF, addressing concerns
KAI has assured the PAF that Block-II up- Meteor long-range missile, a feature that about competitiveness with Chinese missile
grades, which would enhance the jet by the F-16 lacks. Additionally, the Gripen’s ad- technology.
focusing on adding air-to-ground strike ca- vanced airborne
pabilities, are expected to be available by
2028. South Korea’s air force is scheduled
to receive these upgrades simultaneously,
ensuring that the PAF is not left behind in
terms of technological advancements.

Despite KAI’s attractive offer, the challenge
of financing the full acquisition of 40 jets
remains unresolved. DND officials have early warning and control (AEWC) systems,
been discussing a phased approach to such as Erieye and Global Eye, could be a

6 SEPTEMBER-25-2024 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/DAILY NEWS

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