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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DND chief seeks AWACS capability for MRFs

DND chief seeks AWACS capability for MRFs

Published Jul 1, 2025 02:21 pm
Defense Secretary GIlberto Teodoro Jr. (File photo: IISS Shangri-La Dialogue)
Defense Secretary GIlberto Teodoro Jr. (File photo: IISS Shangri-La Dialogue)
The multi-role fighters (MRFs) that would be procured by the Department of National Defense (DND) for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) should be equipped with the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) capability, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said.
The PAF, which celebrated its 78th founding anniversary on Tuesday, July 1, is aggressively pursuing its MRF procurement plan to complete its Integrated Air Defense System (IADS).
“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,” Teodoro said.
The AWACS is a mobile, long-range radar surveillance and control center that provides a comprehensive view of the airspace, enabling the detection, tracking, and management of both air and maritime traffic.
Aside from AWACS, Teodoro said the DND is also considering the acquisition of aerial tankers for mid-air refueling to sustain the MRFs during long flight operations.
“It's easy to buy, but to maintain and to use the equipment with adequate stores, reserves, and munitions, which will add considerably to the cost of the package, must be all taken into account,” the defense chief noted.
Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, PAF commanding general, said the Air Force is advancing its capabilities in surveillance, precision strike, advanced systems, integrated air defense, and space operations to address evolving security challenges in the region.
“The future of air power demands readiness across all domains,” he underscored.
“But more than platforms and systems, it is our values that propel us forward: integrity, service above self, teamwork, excellence, and professionalism. These remain our true strength, along with our commitment to do good governance, pursuit of a stronger safety culture, and unshakeable warrior ethos,” he added.
Budget constraints
Teodoro said the DND is coordinating with the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to ensure the continuity of the funding for the MRF program.
The DND allocated P61 billion for the PAF’s MRF acquisition project.
“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 to their optimal, for their optimal use and just have them flying air shows,” he said.
“So if you noticed the MRF package, we have increased the force size. We will not buy equipment which will not make a difference, which will not add to deterrence,” he added.
Aside from the aircraft, the DND is also considering the procurement of support equipment and munitions per aircraft, among others.
“We have to have the consensus of the finance department and the legislature that they will spend annually for adequate sustainment of these platforms so that they will not be displaced in the gates of the air base,” Teodoro concluded.

Related Tags

DND Gilberto Teodoro Jr. MRFs AWACS PAF Air Force
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