DND Chief Seeks AEW&C & Tanker Aircraft for PAF

02 Juli 2025

PAF need AEW&C aircraft which is capable of early warning and detecting aircraft, ships, vehicles, and missiles at long range (photo: RTAF)

DND chief wants MRF project to proceed in 'full package'

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. wants the proposed multi-role fighter (MRF) program to proceed as a full package, with an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) and aerial tankers for mid-air refueling platforms.

Having these platforms will ensure that the MRF program is "operational as a force package," Teodoro said in a media briefing at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on Monday afternoon.

This means that the country's MRFs, if deployed for missions, must be able to demonstrate their capabilities to the utmost, he said.

"It is not only the purchase of the MRF, per se, which we need to deal with but also to make the MRFs operational as a force package, meaning to say, we need the AWACS capability. A lot of countries have experienced the fact that they are realizing that they need AWACS, notwithstanding the fact that their satellite capability is not enough," Teodoro said.

The AWACS is generally a large aircraft fitted with airborne radars capable of early warning and detecting aircraft, ships, vehicles, and missiles at long range.

It is also used to direct friendly fighter and attack aircraft regarding specific targets and serves as airborne radar pickets or surveillance assets.

Tanker aircraft

Aside from AWACS, Teodoro said, the Philippines also needs tanker aircraft for its proposed MRFs for sustainment purposes, as this capability would extend the range of the aircraft.

Aerial tankers are large aircraft capable of transferring fuel to fighter and attack aircraft through a probe-and-drogue system.

Teodoro noted that while it is easy to buy MRFs, there is a need to acquire these military assets with adequate stores, reserves, and munitions.

He, however, admitted that having these would "add considerably to the cost of the package (and) must be all taken into account."

PAF need tanker aircraft to extend the range of the fighter (photo: Bohlke International Aviation)

"And we are in constant coordination with the DOF (Department of Finance) and the DBM (Department of Budget Management) regarding the continuity of funding available. It is easy to buy and like the first tranche. However, what we do not want is to buy, you know, have orders, have deliveries and not being able to use them for their optimal use and just have them flying air shows. That we will not countenance," Teodoro said.

He said the Philippines would not buy military equipment that "will not make a difference (and) will not add to deterrence."

"We will not buy standalone equipment. If there are standalones, fine. However, if equipment per se needs support equipment, we will also have to put aside funds for that," he added.

Munitions for aircraft

He also said the DND would try to have adequate reserves of munitions per aircraft.

He cited the need to have the consensus of the DOF and the legislature that they would spend annually for the adequate sustainment of these platforms so that these are not just displayed at the gates of an air base.

"Those are the considerations that we need to deal with and these are very real considerations. I know the expectations of our people, but it is my responsibility to make sure that each peso spent can be supported and justified,” he said.

Earlier reports regarding the MRF project had the Philippines shortlisting the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 "Viper" and the Saab JAS-39C/D "Gripen" MRFs.

The budget for the MRF acquisition project is placed at PHP61 billion.

The F-16 Block 72/70 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, allowing it greater detection and tracking capabilities along with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.

Meanwhile, the JAS-39 "Gripen" C/D is classified as the most reliable "swing-role combat aircraft" available in the world 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. 

(PNA)