The Philippine Air Force (PAF) needs more fighter aircraft despite the acquisition of 12 additional FA-50 Block 70 light combat jets that was formally announced by the Department of National Defense (DND) over the weekend.

"In spite of these 12 additional FA-50s, we would still be needing more fighter aircraft because we have a very wide archipelagic area to protect and monitor," said Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF spokesperson, told reporters in a press briefing on Tuesday.

Just last week, the DND announced the acquisition of 12 additional FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) of South Korea.

The DND noted that a "notice to proceed" was issued earlier this month, formalizing the contract valued at over $700 million.

"The FA-50 Block 70 represents the latest evolution of the FA-50 platform, featuring advanced avionics, modern radar systems, and extended operational range," it stated.

"The delivery of the aircraft will be carried out in phases over the next five years, with full completion targeted by 2030," it added.

Castillo noted that although the proposal to acquire multi-role fighter (MRF) aircraft is still pending, she noted that the PAF is eyeing to procure a platform with greater capabilities than the existing aircraft in its fleet.

The proposal to acquire multi-role jet fighters is still pending and still part of our plans because we still need more. So far no changes regarding the proposal for multi-role jet fighters," she said.

"Of course, the plans or the proposal to acquire multi-role jet fighters is still pending and still part of our plans because we still need more right now, what we are looking at for multirole fighters is definitely better capabilities than what we currently have in our inventory right now. So we're looking at longer range, better firepower, among others," she added.

When asked on whether the PAF is looking at the "Generation 4.0 and 4.5" MRF, Castillo noted that it will depend on "the best we can have for the budget that is available." Robina Asido/DMS