Air Force negotiating for new attack jets

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is negotiating for the purchase of more powerful fighter jets from at least five countries using as "down payment" some P4.6 billion from its modernization fund.

PAF chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Defensor said the 10th anniversary celebrations of the 710th Special Operations Wing here yesterday that he would "finish the Abu Sayyaf" once the Air Force gets the modern equipment it needs.

"I am asked often when I am going to finish the Abu Sayyaf and my answer is, ‘Give us the equipment and we will show you the results’," he said.

Dubbed as the father of the PAF modernization, Defensor said the PAF is now negotiating to buy "multi-role" jet fighters and several attack aircraft including the MIG-29 from Russia, the Mirage from France, the Kfir from Israel and the Viggen from Sweden.

He said negotiations are also being done with the US for the purchase of several jet fighters which he did not identify.

The government recently announced the release of P10 billion for the PAF’s modernization, and Defensor said the funds would be released in two parts. The first part, worth P5.4 billion, will be used for the upgrading of existing aircraft, while the second, for P4.6 billion, will buy new equipment.

"Our priority is the long-range patrol aircraft which our country needs badly not only because of the kidnapping situation (in Mindanao) but also for other things such as piracy and smuggling," Defensor said.

At least six long-range aircraft have been listed under the PAF’s modernization program, but Defensor said "we can get more."

In the meantime, the PAF’s immediate concern is to provide "sensors" to its existing long-range planes. Second in its list is the acquisition of search and rescue helicopters, such as UH-1H choppers and the more powerful US Jolly Green Giant, also known as Super Stallion, which are good in the mountains and in any kind of weather. — Ding Cervantes