Aerospace Giants Vie For Philippines Multi Role Fighter Programme

GIANTS in the aerospace industry have been vying for the Philippines Air Force’s (PAF) Multi Role Fighter (MRF) programme. Among them, the European Eurofighter consortium, Sweden’s Saab, the American Lockheed Martin and South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).

Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has proposed for the MRF programme to proceed as a full package comprising the fighter aircraft, airborne warning and control system/airborne early warning and control (AWACS/AEW&C) as well as aerial refuelling tankers.

The PAF also confirmed submission of a proposal on acquiring an AWACS/AEW&C platform as part of the Re-Horizon H3 modernisation programme. AWACS/AEW&C aircraft have been in the spotlight following the recent India-Pakistan aerial skirmish.

The Philippines reportedly allocated an estimated US$1.08 billion for the MRF programme, with reports on the MRF candidates including Saab’s JAS-39C/D Gripen and Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Block 70/72, the Eurofighter Typhoon and KAI KF-21.

A part of the Eurofighter consortium comprising Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo which offers the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter, Leonardo has reaffirmed its commitment to the long-term capability development and modernisation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Leonardo, as part of Eurofighter Consortium, stands ready to support the Philippines as it moves toward a more capable, self-reliant, and unmatched deterrence posture,” the company’s Aeronautics division senior vice president for marketing and sales.

“Our approach is anchored on long-term partnership built not only on trusted performance, but also on meaningful investments in local capability, skills development, and national growth,” he added.

According to media reports in the country, Leonardo’s proposal includes technology transfer, the training of Filipino engineers and pilots as well as further cooperation between the local defence industry and prospective establishment of a Eurofighter logistics and training hub in the country.

‘These initiatives are designed to create sustainable jobs, strengthen local expertise and empower the Philippines’ role in the regional aerospace ecosystem. The company and its industrial partners said this approach would enhance operational readiness while generating broader economic and industrial value.”

Furthermore, speculation also said that the company could offer more ATR-72 (P-72M) maritime patrol aircraft to the Philippines.

Earlier in December, local media also reported on KAI’s talks with the Department of National Defense (DND) and PAF on the possible acquisition of the KAI KF-21 4.5 generation fighter jet. The semi-stealth KF-21 is in the final stages of development with the first units to be delivered to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) by mid-2026.

The Philippine government and KAI have also been exploring the prospects of setting up a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for PAF aircraft either at Basa or Clark Air Base but added that the idea would be most cost-effective if the PAF operates enough KAI aircraft. In June, KAI landed a US$700 million deal from the Philippines for 12 additional FA-50PH light attack fighters, building on their initial batch of 12 FA-50s in 2014.

In April, the US Department of State approved the possible foreign military sale (FMS) of 20 F-16 Block 70s. According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) release, the Philippines government requested to procure 16 F-16C Block 70/72 and 4 F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft along with 24 F110-GE-129D or F100-PW-229 Engines as well as other equipment. Though, the PAF had said it had yet to receive a formal offer.

Lockheed Martin also announced an expansion of their industrial collaboration package to the Philippines as part of the F-16 Block 70 offer, with a strategic partnership with Southern Methodist University (SMU) to drive digital innovation, intellectual property creation, and workforce development with Philippine universities and industry.

The partnership will provide a comprehensive platform for technology and knowledge transfer, including funding for business incubation, government initiatives, and academic programs. A world-class research lab and training space will be established, enabling Filipino professionals to develop innovative solutions and prototypes that can be applied in various industries.

“The F-16 Block 70 is the most advanced version of the F-16 fighter jet, offering unparalleled capabilities and performance. Lockheed Martin’s industrial collaboration package is designed to support the Philippines’ economic development and SRDP goals, while also enhancing the country’s security capabilities”, a company release said.

Saab has also been consistently offering the JAS 39 Gripen E/F to the PAF, in addition to possibly offering their range of AWACS/AEW&C platforms. PAF officials previously inspected the Saab 340 AEW&C when the platform was not on the PAF’s radar. In the immediate region, only Singapore and Thailand operate AEW&C platforms from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Saab respectively at a time where countries including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia all interested in acquiring such platforms.

In August, Thailand signed a contract with Saab for three Gripen E and one Gripen F aircraft as well as associated equipment, support and training. Furthermore, Saab will also deliver a long-term offset package to Thailand as part of the fighter acquisition plan. This will include significant transfer of defence technology and industrial cooperation with Thailand together with new investments across many sectors of the national economy.

Brazil’s Embraer could also be in the mix as part of a wider package, with its KC-390 Millenium multi-mission aircraft successfully completing the certification flight test campaign for in-flight refuelling of Saab’s Gripen E.

In another Embraer-related development, the AFP defended its procurement of six new A-29 Super Tucanos that was finalised just before the end of 2024, adding on to the half a dozen A-29Bs currently in service with the PAF in order to strengthen its shift towards territorial defence under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC). A senator questioned the choice instead of procuring more modern light fighters such as the FA-50PH to address external threats.

In response, the AFP stated, “The Super Tucano is a cost-efficient, mission-fit aircraft that strengthens surveillance, maritime patrol, and close air support under the CADC. We need more of them, not to provoke conflict, but to ensure that every corner of our archipelago is guarded and our people are safe.”

Slated for September 2-4 2026, the sixth Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) is set to take place in Metro Manila’s World Trade Center at a crucial point in time where the Philippines looks to keep its momentum going and continue rapidly modernising its armed forces in its shift towards external defence.–-shp/adj/dl (Pix:SAAB, PAF, LUFTWAFFE,LOCKHEED,DAPA)