AFP Eyes Acquisition of Multi-role Fighters, Shore-based Assets

01 Agustus 2023

Refer to Maxdefense on July 28, 2023, while the Philippines is nearing completion of its deal with Sweden for the acquisition of "new" JAS-39C/D MS20+  Gripens from Saab, it is also making headway in its negotiations with the United States for used F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters as part of the PH-US Security Sector Assistance Roadmap under the EDCA. This will enable the PAF to raise 2 fighter squadrons in the next few years, 1 squadron with the Gripens and 1 squadron with the Falcons (photo : Business Insider)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is looking to acquire multi-role fighters, additional naval assets and shore-based deterrents for Horizon 3 of its ongoing modernization program.

"For the 3rd Horizon of the (AFP) modernization program we are looking at acquiring multi-role fighter aircraft, naval assets, command and control or C-2 systems, shore-based deterrent capabilities, submarines and the like," AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said during the post-State Of the Nation Address (SONA) briefing held at the Hilton Hotel Manila, Pasay City Wednesday afternoon.

Brahmos shore-based anti-ship missile (photo : Nextgen PH Defense)

Brawner said the AFP is "very fortunate" to have President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as their commander in chief as the Chief Executive is very supportive of the military's modernization program.

Horizon 3 is slated for 2023 to 2028 while Horizon 2 was from 2018 to 2022 and Horizon 1 in 2013 to 2017.

These procurement tranches are designed to acquire equipment, weapons systems and platforms geared at enhancing the external or territorial defense capability of the AFP.

Some of the platforms procured in the ongoing AFP Modernization Program include the S-70i "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters, missile frigates, close air support aircraft, air defense surveillance radars, unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, corvettes, anti-submarine helicopters, light tanks, tactical radios, amphibious assault vehicles, civil engineering equipment and modern pistols.

In line with the ongoing military upgrades, the AFP chief said that they are looking at the possibility of developing their cyber warfare capability.

"But one thing that we would like to really develop in the next (few) years is the capability for cyber warfare and this is one capability where we could excel in the AFP and we could be at par with even the modern countries," he added.

See full article PNA