In response to growing tensions in the region, the Philippines has approved large-scale funding for defence which includes new fighter jets. According to Reuters, the new fighter jet acquisition is part of a $33 billion defence budget.
The Air Force doesn’t have a purpose-built fighter, but it operates the Republic of Korea’s FA-50PH Light Combat Aircraft. Thus, the Philippines will try to fill said gap. Considering the budget size the possible allocation for new fighters, and the unit count; the Air Force is likely looking for light fighters like the F-16 and Gripen but other possibilities like Rafale shouldn’t be ruled out either.
However, one has a right to question why the is Philippines moving towards combat aircraft with higher performance now. One of the biggest reasons is the clash with China especially on the sea.
There has been a major increase in clashes between the two countries’ coast guard ships this year. Thus, it is normal that the Philippines feels threatened by China’s persistence in pushing borders and wants more potent weaponry as a deterrence.
,An armament effort similar to Taiwan’s focusing on the air force, well-armed missile boats, and coastal defence systems might be on the horizon.
