Joselito Malig

An F-2 fighter jet takes part in a live fire exercise conducted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) at East Fuji Maneuver Area in Gotemba on May 28, 2022. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi / POOL / AFP)

Article (news)

F-2 fighter jet

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17507780260201750778023063.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="An F-2 fighter jet takes part in a live fire exercise conducted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) at East Fuji Maneuver Area in Gotemba on May 28, 2022. Tomohiro Ohsumi, POOL / AFP"/>An F-2 fighter jet takes part in a live fire exercise conducted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) at East Fuji Maneuver Area in Gotemba on May 28, 2022. Tomohiro Ohsumi, POOL / AFP</div>MANILA — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is open to acquiring Japanese-made multi-role fighters (MRFs) to modernize its defense capabilities.PAF commanding general Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura acknowledged that Japan’s Mitsubishi fighters are promising, but emphasized that the acquisition will depend on how effectively they align with the Philippines’ broader defense strategy, specifically the implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).“Mitsubishi fighters, the Japanese-made multi-roles are very potential platforms also,” Cordura said in a press briefing at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Tuesday.“The selection for the multi-role will depend upon the appreciation of the department [Department of National Defense] in terms of how these are incorporated. This can be effectively incorporated in the whole CADC concept. So, it does not discount later, perhaps, platforms coming also from Japan if they will serve the purpose of our territorial defense plan,” he added.Cordura also said that the PAF is taking budget considerations into account for the potential purchase of the MRFs.“Yung mga naririnig niyo na mga multi-role, these are amongst those initially considered given the nature of warfare that we are anticipating to be engaged in—that is, projection more asymmetric, then, of course, our ABC—yung how much can be allocated to fund this modernization project,” he noted.The Mitsubishi F-2 is a Japanese MRF derived from the F-16 Fighting Falcon. It is manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Lockheed Martin for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).The aircraft boasts a speed of Mach 2.0 at high altitude and a combat range of 450 nautical miles. It is known for its use in air-to-ship operations, with the ability to carry four anti-ship missiles.In mid-June, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced the acquisition of 12 FA-50 Block 70 lead-in trainer fighter aircraft from the Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) as part of Horizon 3 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program.A Notice to Proceed was issued earlier in the month, formalizing the contract valued at over USD 700 million.Aside from the mission equipment and integrated logistics support, the comprehensive package also includes a training and logistics information system.According to Cordura, the new FA-50 Block 70 jets—which represent the latest evolution of the FA-50 platform, featuring advanced avionics, modern radar systems and extended operational range—are an upgrade to the PAF’s existing FA-50 fleet.He added that the PAF has already submitted its recommended assets for modernization, including the required specifications of the MRFs.“In terms of our selection for the MRF, the CADC, yung ating defense campaign plan, our concept for defense entails projection, so we need to be able to exhibit credible defense in the 220th EEZ natin. So, what does that translate to our requirements? It means to say that we need a platform that has a longer endurance, a greater payload that can carry ammunition, it has asymmetric capability that can land on shorter runways kasi yung ating future operating bases will be in the periphery of the archipelago already—more strategic—then, and of course, siguro, it should cater to more asymmetric capabilities kasi there are platforms that do not do that,” Cordura explained.He then continued, “In addition, it should be highly integratable and interoperable with our allies in the region. Importante ‘yan. Dapat tayo, makakapag-usap yung equipment natin dun sa ating mga kasama, like our treaty ally, our state partners in the region.”“All the recommendations, the necessary information are already with the department [DND], so we&#x27;re just awaiting guidance, the definite platform that later will be acquired. Any platform from what we have recommended and what we have studied and researched on are win-win, not only for the Philippine Air Force, but for the AFP,” the official further said.Moreover, Cordura underscored the importance of the Philippines having MRFs, explaining that the PAF has what it describes as a “game changer” called the Integrated Air Defense System (IADS).“It [IADS] is one of the six core systems. Sa IADS, binubuo po natin ‘yan para magkaroon po tayo ng isang tinatawag na credible defense posture here in the Philippine Air Force. Later, it accrues to all the platforms of the AFP, as well. In the IADS, right now, what we lack practically there is… hindi pa siya ideal. Kunwari, in terms of 100%, it&#x27;s not yet 100% because we do not have the multi-roles,” the PAF chief said.“Multi-role allows us a greater reach and endurance. Its communication system allows us a better encryption. Its radar tracking is more enhanced… So, when we conceive how a conflict scenario will arise, the MRF, the multi-role fighter serves the purpose of completing the integrated air defense system. It will be able to communicate with the radar. It will be able to intercept multi-role fighters intruding the country, kasi there are limitations sa speed po eh. Pag merong intrusion po dito, tinatawiran na lang tayo po ng mga multi-role ng ibang bansa. The lead-in fighter like the FA-50 can actually do an interception maneuver also, but there are limitations because it&#x27;s not a multi-role,” he continued.“Tayo kasi, hindi naman tayo malaking Air Force. We are a small Air Force. We are what we call a niche Air Force. So, we cannot ask for a very robust integrated air defense system. We should be asking for what is practical to us in terms of what we can procure, of what our fund will allow us. Ito yung magandang opportunidad ngayon because our fund allows us to procure the MRF. Kasi if we are comparing ourselves to the threat in the region, kunwari, sabihin nating China, we cannot be at par with China even 10 to 20 years from now. That&#x27;s the reality here. But we can project what we call credible deterrence. They will think twice if they will intrude the country… So, that is the rationale behind the importance of our multi-role platform,” he concluded.In July last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the purchase of MRF jets to enhance the air defense capabilities of the country.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is open to acquiring Japanese-made multi-role fighters (MRFs) to modernize its defense capabilities.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is open to acquiring Japanese-made multi-role fighters (MRFs) to modernize its defense capabilities.

PH Air Force open to acquiring Japan-made F-2 fighter jets

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PH Air Force open to acquiring Japan-made F-2 fighter jets

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 24, 2025 11:14 PM PHT

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