THE defense and military establishments want a revision in the number of multi-role fighter (MRF) aircraft to be acquired under the AFP modernization program.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr said a new set of specifications had been also crafted by defense and military officials for the MRF project.
“The MRF project, we just set a new set of specs that we need and a new quantity, “ Teodoro told reporters on Tuesday night during the celebration of National Day and Armed Forces Day of Republic of Korea in Taguig City.
Teodoro did not say how many aircraft they are now planning to acquire and what prompted the revision of specifications and quantity.
Officials from the previous Duterte administration have planned to acquire 12 MRFs that are direly needed by the Air Force to better protect the country’s airspace. The project was projected to cost at least P61.2 billion.
Two of the MRFs initially considered by defense and military officials for acquisition are the Saab JAS 39 Gripen of Sweden and F-16 of United States. The Air Force said the KF-21 Boramae aircraft, being developed by South Korea, is a “viable option.”
Teodoro said the specifications or terms of reference will be submitted to President Marcos Jr for his approval.
Teodoro also said the MRF project will be implemented under Horizon 3 of the AFP modernization program. He said a new list of projects to be acquired under Horizon 3 is also being crafted.
The Horizon 3 is supposed to be implemented this year until 2028. The Horizon 2 of the AFP modernization program is still in the completion stage.
“Once it’s approved by the President, the (MRF project) will go to Horizon 3. There is a new Horizon 3 which we have to present to the President for him to approve,” he said.
Meanwhile, Teodoro said the Brahmos shore-based anti-ship missile system being acquired from an Indian defense manufacturer is due for delivery before the end of the year.
“Supposedly, the end of the year… Supposedly, that’s in the contract… as far as I’m concerned, it will push through,” he said.
The contract, worth P18.9 billion, was signed in January last year by then Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
Lorenzana has said the “vital asset,” which will be used by the Navy, “is imperative as the Philippines continues to protect the integrity of its territory and defend its national interests.”
“As the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles, the Brahmos Missiles will provide deterrence against any attempt to undermine our sovereignty and sovereign rights, especially in the West Philippine Sea,” said Lorenzana.
