AFP Eyes Addition of Multi-Role Fighters in PAF Inventory Before Duterte Presidency Ends

09 Desember 2020

AFP eyes several multi-role fighters like F-16 (photo : USAF)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is eyeing to acquire a number of multi-role fighters like the F-16 for the Philippine Air Force (PAF), AFP chief General Gilbert Gapay said during the #LagingHandaPH Public Briefing on December 7.

“Soon, bago bababa ang ating Pangulo magkakaroon na rin tayo ng multi-role fighters, the likes of the F-16s sa inventory ng ating Air Force,” the AFP chief said.

“Makikita naman natin iyong thrust ng ating Pangulo na talagang palakasin ang Armed Forces natin. Sabi nga niya, nais niyang makita ang isang malakas at tunay na maaasahan na Armed Forces once he step down in 2022, at iyon ang kaniyang ginagawa,” General Gapay said.

“Makikita naman natin iyong Navy natin, it is now again turning into a ‘Blue Water Navy’, mayroon na tayong mga frigates, corvettes na talagang pang blue water iyan, to patrol our territory and EEZ – Territorial waters and EEZ. Then mayroon na tayong fighting jets ulit. Napakahabang panahon na nawala ito sa capability ng ating Philippine Air Force. Kung malalaman ninyo F5 iyong huling jet natin at ngayon mayroon na tayong FA50s,” he added.

“Ganoon din ang ating ground forces, makikita natin iyong kanilang ground mobility, amphibious capabilities, nandiyan na rin makikita natin,” Gapay said.

(Mintfo)