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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Sufficient funding key to 'minimum impact' fighter jet fleet, says defense chief

Sufficient funding key to 'minimum impact' fighter jet fleet, says defense chief

Published Mar 18, 2026 04:11 pm
Two FA-50 fighter jets perform a high-speed opener pass during the 77th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at Basa Air Base in Pampanga on July 1, 2024. (File photo: PAF)
Two FA-50 fighter jets perform a high-speed opener pass during the 77th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at Basa Air Base in Pampanga on July 1, 2024. (File photo: PAF)
Adequate funding is needed to acquire a “minimum impact” fleet of multi-role fighter jets (MRF) under the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) modernization program, the Department of National Defense (DND) said.
And if there is not enough budget, DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said he would rather wait to secure full funding than get piecemeal purchases that could leave the country at a disadvantage.
“Hindi tayo papayag na bumili na kokonti lang (We will not allow buying just a few),” he said on Tuesday, March 17.
“Hindi naman pwede umorder ka ngayon ng konti at susunod ng ilang taon dahil ang presyo nagti-triple (You can’t just order a few now and wait for the next few years because the price will triple),” Teodoro added, warning that delays and staggered purchases would increase costs.
In the country’s long‑delayed MRF procurement plan, Teodoro said the DND plans to buy at least 40 jets for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to field a credible deterrent force.
“Ang force size nga na hinihingi natin ay 40 pero konti pa rin ‘yun (The force size we are requesting is 40 but that is still too few),” Teodoro shared.
The PAF has been ramping up efforts to modernize its fleet to further strengthen the country’s maritime domain awareness capabilities, especially in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid tensions with China.
Compared to other countries, Teodoro said the number is fewer than Ukraine’s procurement of 150 fighter jets from Sweden in 2025, Canada’s 200 units, and Thailand’s 50 units to sustain their air capabilities.
Without congressional approval of sufficient funds, Teodoro warned that acquisition plans for the MRF project might stall.
“Ilang taon na natin kailangan ‘yan ngunit papaano kung walang pera? Eh kung ire-release sakin ang pera mabilis pa sa alas-kwatro ‘yan (We have needed that for years, but what if there is no money? If the funds are released to me, [the procurement] would be quick),” Teodoro said.
Read: DND chief seeks AWACS capability for MRFs
Last year, the defense chief said he wanted the MRFs for the Air Force to have airborne warning and control system (AWACs) capability and possibly aerial tankers to ensure operational effectiveness.
He emphasized that buying aircraft is easy but sustaining them with munitions, stores, and maintenance is crucial for real operational impact.
The DND had allocated P61 billion for the MRF acquisition and continues to coordinate with the Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to ensure funding.

Related Tags

DND multi-role fighter jets MRF Philippine Air Force Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
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