GUEST COLUMNIST
By Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret)
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) commemorates its 77th anniversary today. Its initial organization in 1935 as the Philippine Army Air Corps to its founding in 1947 and remarkable transformation into a territorial defense force is a testament to its excellence, professionalism, and teamwork.
PBBM, at last year’s anniversary, clearly pronounced the crucial role of the PAF when he stated, “The days ahead will…demand every ounce of our strength and our resilience…The [PAF’s] maritime air patrols missions are thus essential in upholding our territorial integrity and safeguarding Philippine maritime zones.” To fulfill this role, the PAF has to advance an Air Defense System (ADS) made up of air surveillance, weapons, and battle management. The ADS combines radars, communication technologies, manpower, and weapons to identify and, if necessary, eliminate airborne threats.
For air surveillance, three new radars were earlier installed, scanning the West Philippine Sea and areas near Sabah. Recent additions included two new air defense and surveillance radars and a mobile radar system. Its surveillance capacity has been further enhanced with the purchase of nine Hermes 450 and four Hermes 900 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles from Israel. Last year, PAF added a new Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. Today, it boasts three of these aircraft that were all supplied by the United States (US). Two more long-range maritime patrol aircraft with cutting-edge capabilities are planned to be acquired. The radars and the maritime patrol planes fully strengthened the nation’s maritime domain awareness, which includes the airspace above the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The PAF obtained 12 modern FA50 multi-role light fighter jets from South Korea to improve its weapons for the ADS. In 2015, the jets started arriving with delivery fully completed in 2017. The modern avionics and weaponry of the FA50 contributed greatly to its increased capabilities in air-to-air combat, air-to-ground attacks, and reconnaissance to protect the country’s airspace and uphold the stability of the region. Also, the PAF is planning to acquire multirole fighter jets with the JAS39 Gripen and F-16 reportedly the leading competitors.
Close air support capabilities have been greatly boosted with the arrival of six A-29B Super Tucano aircraft in 2020, followed by six T-129 ATAK attack helicopters from Turkey in 2022. These supplement the existing inventory of AW-109 and MD520 MG and AH-1S “Cobra” attack helicopters.
In addition, two batteries of SPYDER Philippine Air Defense System (SPADS) were deployed in 2022, with the final SPYDER battery to be deployed this year. The surface-to-air missiles of the SPADS with their adaptability, flexibility, and ability to engage targets simultaneously including drones, amplified PAF’s capacity to counter aerial threats.
To boost its airlift capabilities, the last unit of the C-295 Medium Lift aircraft of the three bought from Spain arrived in March 2023, bringing the total to seven units in the PAF inventory. Similarly, the PAF received two restored C-130H tactical transport planes from the US to greatly improve its support fleet. The government has also declared that it will purchase three new C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters which is a stretch model with increased cargo capacity. Lastly, with the arrival last month of five units of the 32 Black Hawk helicopters ordered, the PAF again increased its capacity to undertake different peacekeeping operations, disaster relief efforts, and airlift operations.
For greater operational control of air operations especially during emergencies, a command and control Gulfstream aircraft was acquired in 2020. Likewise, a battle control center was opened at Wallace Air Station to integrate and synchronize the communication linkages, identifications, armaments, and surveillance systems.
Besides upgrading the equipment and its systems, training is also emphasized to improve operational readiness and capabilities. Participation in joint and combined exercises such as “Balikatan” with the US as well as “Kamandag” with Japan improves interoperability and coordination. This also provides opportunities to develop tactical, operational, and strategic capabilities. As an example, skill improvements were greatly displayed during the “Cope Thunder” air combat exercises in July last year when the PAF reported that one of its FA-50 light fighter jets scored a notional kill against the F-22 Raptor, the reputed best stealth fighter jet of the world.
The significant improvements of the ADS empowered the PAF to create a realistic air defense posture covering the territory and the EEZ in support of the nation’s archipelagic domain strategy.
As we celebrate the 77th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force, we honor its amazing journey from its humble roots to its transformation into a capable air force. Our nation's skies are shielded due to its commitment to innovation and excellence. With a proud heritage and advanced capabilities, the PAF soars as a beacon of strength. Let us honor our airmen and airwomen for their unwavering dedication and bravery. Mabuhay ang Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas!
(Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret) served as the 8th commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, the 32nd commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, and the former deputy chief of staff for Operations, J3 of the AFP. He is now the VP for cooperative planning and marketing of PAFCPIC, a cooperative serving the active and retired AFP personnel.)