Department of National Defense (DND) secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has expressed hope for regular exercises between Filipino soldiers and the country's allies.
The DND said in a news release Wednesday that Teodoro made the remark as he welcomed the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) contingent to the just-concluded Exercise Pitch Black in simple rites in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, on Tuesday.
"And now, the challenge for you is we need to sustain these kinds of operations. We have to make this the new normal," he said.
The DND chief also touted the PAF's successful pilot participation in the biennial drills as proof of the strong strategic partnership between the Philippines and Australia.
"This is game-changing, once again, and it is a success of the whole of government, literally, from the diplomatic side, (including) the SOVFA (Status of Visiting Forces Agreement) and the strategic partnership between Australia and us (the Philippines), to the defense side between the Defense Ministry of Australia and us, to the GHQ (General Headquarters), to the Major Service, and the Fighter wings," Teodoro added.
The PAF contingent to the Pitch Black exercises, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force from July 12 to Aug. 2, included four FA-50PHs light jet fighters and 162 personnel.
The contingent logged a total participation time of 144 hours and 46 minutes across 61 sorties, engaging in high-intensity missions such as basic fighter maneuvers, tactical intercepts, dissimilar air combat tactics, and significant force employment.
These missions focused on key operations, including air interdiction, suppression of enemy air defenses, and defensive and offensive counter-air roles.
MRF acquisition a priority
The DND, meanwhile, assured that the acquisition of multi-role fighters (MRF) remains a priority as part of efforts to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
This comes in the wake of China's latest aggression, where its military aircraft harassed a maritime patrol of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) over the Bajo de Masinloc on Aug. 8.
"Addressing ongoing security concerns in the WPS, the Secretary (Teodoro) reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening the country's Air Defense Systems, particularly through the acquisition of MRFs, to enhance the Philippines' territorial defense capabilities," the DND said in a statement.
The MRF is part of Horizon Two of the AFP Modernization Program, slated for 2018 to 2022. This program aims to acquire more equipment for external defense. Any aircraft that will be selected must be able to integrate with existing radar systems that have a range of around 250 nautical miles.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has already approved the military's plan to acquire MRFs.
The latest US Lockheed Martin model-made F-16s and the Swedish Saab JAS-39 are two possible contenders for the AFP's MRF project.
The F-16V is the latest and most advanced F-16 in operation today and is considered the foremost combat-proven fourth-generation MRF. It is equipped with advanced radar systems that allow it greater detection and tracking capabilities, along with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.
The JAS-39 "Gripen" C/D is classified as the most reliable "swing-role combat aircraft" available today. The "C" version is a single-seat aircraft, while the "D" version is a two-seater configuration.
The Swedish-made fighter requires minimal personnel and ground support equipment for dispersed operations and can operate from small, unprepared roads. It is also equipped with sophisticated radar sensors and weapons.
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