PAF Also Considering Japan-made Aircraft for Future Projects

25 Juni 2025

JASDF F-2 fighter and it's payload (photo: JASDF)

MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Tuesday said Japanese-made multi-role fighters (MRFs) can be considered for acquisition to modernize its defense capabilities.

"Ok, the FA-50 jets are in the pipeline already, you know that is already approved. It is for delivery and there are 12 units in addition. Mitsubishi fighters (referring to the F-2), the Japanese made multi-role (fighters) are very potential platforms also," Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura said in a media briefing at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, when asked if the PAF is also considering Japanese-made MRFs for future acquisition programs.

Cordura was referring to the Korea Aerospace Industries-made FA-50 Block 70 whose contract was signed last June 4.

"The selection for the multi-role (fighter) will depend upon the appreciation of the Department (referring to the Department of National Defense) in terms of how these are incorporated, this can be effectively incorporated in the whole CADC (Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept). So it does not discount later perhaps platforms coming also from Japan if they will serve the purpose of our territorial defense plan," Cordura said.

The contract is worth USD700 million and will be delivered from 2026 to 2030.

The FA-50 Block 70 is described as a vastly more capable aircraft, than the first 12 FA-50PH units delivered from 2015 to 2017. Its top speed is placed at Mach 1.5.

Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi F-2 being referred to by Cordura is the Japanese MRF derived from F-16C and manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Lockheed Martin for the Japan Air Self Defense Force.

It has a maximum speed of Mach 2.0 and a combat range of 450 nautical miles. The F-2 is armed with a 20mm cannon and is capable of carrying a variety of missiles, rockets, and other munitions. 

(PNA)