The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will acquire new aircraft and build strategic air bases in the northern and western frontiers to further expand its operational reach in preparation for a more complex security environment.

Speaking before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City during the Air Force’s 79th founding anniversary on Wednesday, July 1, PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Arthur M. Cordura said the service would continue investing in long-range surveillance, mobility, and infrastructure to strengthen the country's defense posture.

“The planned acquisition of long-range patrol aircraft, the projected delivery of additional Black Hawk and Bell 412 EPX helicopters, advanced surveillance radar systems, and the acquisition of flight simulators are steadily enhancing our ability to monitor, respond, and operate across greater distances and more demanding operational environments,” Cordura said.

The anticipated purchases form part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program. The AFP has continued shifting its focus from internal security to territorial defense under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) even as it strengthens its interoperability with allies amid growing security concerns in the WPS and the wider Indo-Pacific region.

Long-range patrol aircraft are expected to strengthen maritime surveillance over the country's vast exclusive economic zone while additional Black Hawk and Bell 412 EPX helicopters will expand the Air Force's capability for troop transport, disaster response, medical evacuation, and search and rescue operations.

The PAF is also banking on new operating locations in northern Luzon and the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to sustain longer missions amid the continued hostile Chinese presence surrounding the country’s waters.

“Complementing this effort is the eventual completion of strategic basing in Pag-asa Island and Santa Ana, Cagayan, which will improve operational endurance, expand our strategic reach, and reinforce our ability to contribute meaningfully to the nation's defense posture,” Cordura added.

The Air Force chief said the changing nature of warfare requires the PAF to adapt beyond traditional air operations.

“The Philippine Air Force has worked doubly hard to remain relevant in an increasingly complex security environment. As modern warfare evolves and new dimensions of air power emerge, there is a need for greater adaptability, interoperability, integration, and optimal use of the capabilities of a small Air Force,” he said.

He said the PAF has continued supporting military operations through air control missions, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights, close air support, battlefield air interdiction, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

“The Philippine Air Force demonstrated what it can do with what it has, delivering operational effects that strengthened national defense, supported joint force objectives, and protected the interests of the Philippine people,” he said.

Cordura also acknowledged that modernization efforts have faced setbacks but said the service remained focused on its mission.

“We achieved both major and modest victories. But we also encountered numerous challenges. Challenges that tested our resolve as an institution,” he said.

“Yet, rather than allow these difficulties to define us, we choose to learn from them and move forward together. We cannot afford to be held back by adversity because the importance of air power in safeguarding national security, contributing to nation-building, and meeting the expectations of the Philippine people has never been greater,” he added.

This year's anniversary carried the theme, “Focus PAF @ 79: Forging a Credible, Agile, and Multi-Domain Air Force through Mission Readiness, Capability Development, and Values-Based Service.”

Cordura said the theme reflects both the Air Force's recent accomplishments and its long-term direction.

“It reflects our commitment to being an effective force provider to the unified commands and the joint force, advancing the objectives of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, and strengthening cooperation with allies and partners across all domains,” he said.

The event also recognized outstanding Air Force units and personnel for operational excellence and service.