AFP eyes faster procurement of 12 FA-50s for PAF

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) aims to expedite the procurement of multi-role fighter aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to enhance aerial defense capabilities.

General Romeo Brawner Jr., AFP Chief, expressed confidence on Monday that the acquisition of an additional 12 FA-50 fighter jets will proceed as planned and is currently in the pipeline.

Brawner noted that the PAF has already submitted a recommendation to acquire these aircraft as part of the AFP's Rehorizon 3 initiative, which aims to boost military intelligence and deterrence capabilities.

While still considering options like the F-16 and Gripen due to fiscal constraints, Brawner emphasized the feasibility of acquiring more FA-50s, given their proven effectiveness during previous operations such as the Marawi siege.

The US government approved a possible sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines on April 1 for an estimated cost of USD5.58 billion, though no final decision has been made yet regarding this proposal.