Photo: JAS-39D and Saab Erieye of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)

Philippines Eyes AWACS and Tankers for MRF Support

Our Bureau - : Jul 3, 2025 - : 9:08 am

Philippine's Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has reiterated that the country’s planned Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) programme must be pursued as a complete force package, with Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft and aerial refuelling tankers included. “It is not...

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“It is not only the purchase of the MRF, per se, which we need to deal with but also to make the MRFs operational as a force package, meaning to say, we need the AWACS capability. A lot of countries have experienced the fact that they are realizing that they need AWACS, notwithstanding the fact that their satellite capability is not enough,” Teodoro said during a media briefing in Makati, as quoted by the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday (Jul. 1).

AWACS platforms are used for early detection of air, land and maritime threats, and can direct friendly forces in combat. Teodoro said these, along with tanker aircraft, are essential to maximise the MRFs’ combat capability and range.

“Having these platforms will ensure that the MRF program is ‘operational as a force package,’” he said.

“Aside from AWACS, the Philippines also needs tanker aircraft for its proposed MRFs for sustainment purposes, as this capability would extend the range of the aircraft,” he added.

While the government has allocated PHP61 billion for the MRF acquisition, Teodoro emphasised that aircraft alone would not be sufficient.

“It is easy to buy MRFs, but there is a need to acquire these military assets with adequate stores, reserves, and munitions,” he said.

He acknowledged that a fully operational force package would be more expensive: “add considerably to the cost of the package (and) must be all taken into account.”

Teodoro said the Department of National Defense is working closely with the Department of Finance and Department of Budget and Management to ensure long-term funding.

“And we are in constant coordination with the DOF and the DBM regarding the continuity of funding available,” he said.

He also warned against acquiring assets that could become underutilised. “It is easy to buy and like the first tranche. However, what we do not want is to buy, you know, have orders, have deliveries and not being able to use them for their optimal use and just have them flying air shows. That we will not countenance,” he said.

“We will not buy military equipment that ‘will not make a difference (and) will not add to deterrence,’” he added.

Teodoro said standalone assets that require support systems must be funded as a package. “We will not buy standalone equipment. If there are standalones, fine. However, if equipment per se needs support equipment, we will also have to put aside funds for that,” he said.

The defence department also aims to maintain adequate munitions stocks and ensure regular spending for sustainment.

“There is the need to have the consensus of the DOF and the legislature that they would spend annually for the adequate sustainment of these platforms so that these are not just displayed at the gates of an air base,” he said.

“Those are the considerations that we need to deal with and these are very real considerations. I know the expectations of our people, but it is my responsibility to make sure that each peso spent can be supported and justified,” he added.

The Philippines has shortlisted the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 “Viper” and the Saab JAS-39C/D “Gripen” as candidates for the MRF acquisition. The F-16 is the latest version of the combat-proven fourth-generation fighter, while the Gripen is known for its ease of maintenance and ability to operate from dispersed and short runways.

Philippine-air-force-paf / Awacs / Multirole-fighter-mrf /

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