MODERNIZATION TO BOOST PAF’S OPERATIONAL READINESS

The quest of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for capability upgrade is gradually realized through Republic Act No. 10349, also known as the Revised AFP Modernization Act, which extends the modernization program for another 15 years allowing the AFP to effectively fulfill the constitutional mandateof upholding the country’s sovereignty and securing its territorial integrity.

For the Philippine Air Force (PAF), its air defense capability is severely limited at the moment. In itself, its assets are insufficient and unable to pose a credible air defense posture. Seeing the need to revive and support the PAF’s modernization, current government and AFP efforts has been fasttracked. Furthermore, other sectors of society have been harnessed in order to generate the necessary funds for the ill-equipped PAF.

Inspired by the overwhelming support from the government, the PAF takes pride in its accomplishments for the past years particularly on the procured aerial platforms and equipment. Just recently, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana led the handover, acceptance, and blessing of five S-70i Black Hawks and four Scan Eagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for the PAF. The procurementofthese air assets and equipment significantly boostedthePAF’s capabilities inair and ground operations.

In order to fulfill the PAF’s combat utility helicopters requirement, the S-70i Black Hawk helicopters were procured under the “Horizon 2” phase of the AFP Revised Modernization Act. These helicopters are capable of performing troop transport and air assault, command and control, border patrol, search and rescue, cargolift, and VIP transport among others. Despite its recent arrival, the Black Hawk helicopters havealready performed a variety of mission such as the conduct of disaster response operations in the areas of Cagayan as well as the transport of vaccines and personal protective equipment sets to the remotest areas of the country.

The Scan Eagle UAVs, on the other hand, were acquired from the United States through foreign military financing grant. These UAVs will strengthen the AFP’s ground, air, and naval operations as they are capable of performing internal security operations, counter-terrorism, limited maritime patrol, humanitarian assistance and disaster, damage assessment, and aerial survey.

Super Tucano planes find new home at MDAAB

Meanwhile, the PAF’s fleet of newly-acquired Embraer A-29B “Super Tucano” aircraft acquired last year has officially moved to its new home at Major Danilo Atienza Air Base in Sangley Point, Cavite last 21 October 2021. The Super Tucano is a trainer/light attack aircraft manufactured by the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer Defense & Security. These platforms will be utilized for close air support, light attack, surveillance and reconnaissance, air-to-air interception, counterinsurgency, and pilot training. Replacing the PAF’s ageing OV-10 Bronco turboprops, the addition of the A-29s to the PAF’s fleet is a realization of 15th Strike Wing’s dream to modernize its fixedwing platforms which will continue to enable the AFP to deliver the much-needed firepower.

Despite the unforeseeable situations causing the delays of some big-ticket projects, the PAF has been working harder to beef up its air defense capabilities in order to become a dependable and credible Air Force, which was then one of the most well-equipped Air Forces in Asia.