Philippines does not aspire to match China’s military capability
SF-260 trainer aircraft fly over Quirino Grandstand, Manila, for a ceremonial fly-by during the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 12, 2025. Photo from Philippine Air Force Facebook page.
By: Manuel Mogato | Published: June 29, 2025
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Manila – The head of the Philippine Air Force Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura said the Philippines does not aspire to be at par with China’s air power as tensions rise in the disputed area in the region.
“If we are comparing ourselves to the threat in the region, let’s say China, we cannot be at par with China even 10 to 20 years from now,” said Cordura.
China has around 3,000 fighter aircraft at present, including the J series jets.
On the other hand, the Philippines has only 11 FA-50 fighter jets but efforts are underway to acquire more to defend the country’s airspace.
Subscribe to the API Newsletter
Bite-sized updates sent straight to your inbox.
Success!
First Name
Last Name
By signing up, you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The defense department has recently signed a $700 million contract with Korea Aerospace Industry for the delivery of 12 upgraded FA-50s.
The defense and military establishment is also in process of acquiring more advanced MRFs.
“That’s the reality here,” said Cordura in comparing the PAF’s capability with the Chinese air force.
Cordura said the Air Force is only aiming to achieve a minimum “credible deterrence” posture.
“They will think twice if you have GBADS (ground-based air defense system), if you have shooters, if you have multi-role fighters),” said Cordura.
He said the Chinese will think twice if the PAF have MRFs, “shooters” and ground-based air defense systems.
“Imagine if we have multi-role fighters that can do what others can do, what their platform can also do and even better. That is the rationale behind the importance of our multi-role platform,” said Cordura.
Cordura said Japan’s Mitsubishi fighters are being considered for procurement under the MRF acquisition program.
Officials have earlier mentioned the US F-16 and Sweden’s Saab JAS 39 are being considered for procurement under the project.
“Mitsubishi fighters, the Japanese made multi-roles, are very potential platforms also,” said Cordura.
He said they are not discounting the possibility of acquiring aircraft from Japan “if they will serve the purpose of our territorial defense plan.”
As to the status of the MRF acquisition program, Cordura said they are awaiting the decision of the Department of Defense which aircraft will be acquired.
“Any platform that we have recommended and what we have studied and researched on are win-win for not only for the Philippine Air Force but for the AFP,” said Cordura.
“It’s already awaiting a decision from our department (DND) and it will be very soon,” said Cordura.
The post Philippines does not aspire to match China’s military capability appeared first on asiapacificinsights.com.