The Philippines' Department of National Defence (DND) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) are actively exploring their options for acquiring 40 Multirole Fighters (MRF) as part of their ongoing modernisation efforts. With a budget of around PHP 61.2 billion allocated...
To read the full article, please log in or enter your email below:
The Philippines' Department of National Defence (DND) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) are actively exploring their options for acquiring 40 Multirole Fighters (MRF) as part of their ongoing modernisation efforts. With a budget of around PHP 61.2 billion allocated for the programme’s first phase, the DND is weighing offers from various manufacturers, each with different advantages and limitations.
Among the leading candidates is the South Korean-made KF-21 Block-I, which has garnered significant attention. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has formally proposed supplying 10 units for the initial phase of the MRF acquisition. This proposal is within the available budget for Phase 1, offering full air-to-air capabilities. However, the Block-I variant is somewhat limited in terms of air-to-ground functionality, though this is not considered a critical flaw for air defence and interdiction missions.
KAI has assured the PAF that Block-II upgrades, which would enhance the jet by focusing on adding air-to-ground strike capabilities, 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 been discussing a phased approach to procurement, beginning with the purchase of 12 new fighters. The remainder of the acquisition would depend on the establishment of a legal framework for government-to-government soft loans, which would be necessary to finance the full scope of the project.
Other major contenders for the remaining 30 aircraft include the American-made F-16 Block 70/72 Viper and Sweden’s JAS-39 Gripen. The PAF has reportedly expressed a preference for the F-16 due to its extensive access to American spare parts and its compatibility with existing US support infrastructure. These logistical benefits are further supported by long-standing defence agreements between the US and the Philippines, including the Mutual Defence Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement. However, the Swedish Gripen presents a strong case as well. Saab, the manufacturer, has emphasised the Gripen's lower operational costs and compatibility with the Meteor long-range missile, a feature that the F-16 lacks. Additionally, the Gripen's advanced airborne early warning and control (AEWC) systems, such as Erieye and Global Eye, could be a significant asset for the PAF. These AEWC systems would allow the PAF to improve its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, enhancing overall air force effectiveness. 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.
Meanwhile, another option 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.
Meanwhile, the US has expressed strong interest in supporting the Philippines' defence initiatives. A proposed law in the US Congress, known as the Philippine Enhanced Resilience Act (PERA), could provide up to USD 2.5 billion in Foreign Military Financing (FMF), part of which could be used to fund the MRF programme. This would give the F-16 a substantial edge over its competitors, as the FMF support would enable the Philippines to proceed with the acquisition without needing to establish a complex legal framework for loans. The financial assistance would ease budget constraints and potentially push the PAF towards favouring the F-16, despite the logistical and operational advantages of the Gripen. KAI’s KF-21 remains a strong competitor in the MRF race, particularly due to its affordability and future upgrade potential.
The aircraft’s ability to carry both the Meteor and AIM-120C7 AMRAAM missiles makes it a versatile option for the PAF, addressing concerns about competitiveness with Chinese missile technology.
LEAV Aviation has partnered with AirFi to introduce a new inflight entertainment, connectivity, and retail system from March 2025. The…
AAR CORP. has extended its exclusive Serviceable Engine Products agreement with FTAI Aviation Ltd. for the CFM56 used serviceable material…
Integrated and Reliable Data Distribution Systems for Naval Platforms Developed by HAVELSAN, the Platform Data Distribution System (PDDS) and Submarine…
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has showcased the RobDozer, a remotely operated military bulldozer, during a demonstration in the United States…
HAVELSAN has signed a cooperation agreement with Egypt’s Kader Advanced Industrial Factory, affiliated with the Arab Organization for Industrialization, to…
Vojensky technicky ustav, s.p. (VTU), the Czech Republic’s military technical institute, has selected Exail to provide Advans inertial navigation systems…
ASELSAN will participate in LAAD 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1-4 April, as it seeks to strengthen its…
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has launched the second 3,200-ton frigate for the Philippine Navy. The vessel, named BRP Diego Silang,…
Japan Airlines (JAL) has confirmed an order for 17 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, expanding its 737 MAX backlog to 38 firm…
The USS Pinckney (DDG 91) has successfully completed Flight Test Other 40 (FTX-40), also known as Stellar Banshee, which evaluated…
DIMOS has expanded its pallet mover range for airport logistics, introducing two new models equipped with integrated scales and lift…
The first AH-64E Apache attack reconnaissance helicopter for the Australian Army has reached the final assembly stage at Boeing’s production…
Sentrycs has been selected to supply counter-UAS (C-UAS) technology for a national security project in Africa following a competitive evaluation…
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. has reported record financial results for 2024, with a 27% increase in sales, reaching $4.8…
Embraer will showcase high performance, multi-role aircraft as well as comprehensive solutions for air, land, sea, space, and cyber at…
Semi Conductor Devices (SCD), which develops and manufactures a range of cooled and uncooled infrared detectors and high-power laser diodes,…
Indra is coordinating the NG MIMA (Next Generation Military Integrated Modular Avionics) project, a European initiative aimed at developing a…
Boeing has reached a record high in its production of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) seekers, delivering over 500 units in…
Exail has successfully delivered critical navigation equipment to the Finnish Navy, marking a major step forward in the Squadron 2020…
ZeroAvia has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant by AFWERX to study the feasibility of integrating hydrogen…
RENK Group AG has announced a collaboration with NXP Semiconductors to enhance the digitalisation of its product portfolio. The partnership…
The organisers of Indo Aerospace 2024 Expo & Forum will visit the international airshow at Avalon Airport in Victoria, Australia,…
At the 2025 Airbus Summit, the company outlined its updated plans for future commercial aviation, including preparations for a next-generation…
The inter airport Southeast Asia (IASEA) 2025 has commenced at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, bringing together industry professionals, global solution…
A new European research project, PACIFIC (Particle emissions, Air Quality and Climate Impact related to Fuel Composition and Engine Cycle),…
Airbus has introduced a pilot programme to trial a “Book and Claim” approach for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aiming to…
Boeing has completed what is believed to be the first recorded flight test of multiple quantum sensors, demonstrating an aircraft’s…
CAE New Zealand has been awarded a contract by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) to provide maintenance and…
New Zealand’s Search and Rescue Services (SRSL) has ordered four Airbus H145 helicopters to support its emergency medical services (EMS)…
NEC Corporation has received an order from Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) to supply walkthrough gates incorporating facial recognition technology…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2025 GBP all rights reserved.