The search for the country’s first ever Multi-Role
Fighter (MRF) is now down to two aircrafts. Av ital cog in beefing up the
external capabilities of the country’s defense system.
Department of National Defense (DND) Delfin Lorenza
during an interview with media said the Philippine Air Force has narrowed down
its choices for the country’s MRF requirement.
"One of the aircraft being evaluated is from
Sweden (the Saab JAS 39 'Gripen) and the other is the American (General
Dynamics) F-16 (V)," Lorenzana said.
When pressed for more details on the matter, the DND
Sec. did not gave any more details.
 |
| Swedish made Saab JAS 39 'Gripen' (L) and the American made F-16V (photo credit to owner) |
The Saab JAS 39 'Gripen is a Swedish made light single-engine MRF capable of
speeds up to Mach 2.0. It is armed with a 20mm automatic cannon and is capable
of carrying a variety of rockets, bombs, missiles and surveillance equipment.
.
Meanwhile, The United States made F-16V has a top
speed of Mach 2.0, can also carry an assortment of bombs and missiles and
sensors and armed with a 20mm cannon.
As per the requirement/s of the AFP under the
Horizon Two of the modernization program - any aircraft that will be selected
must be able to integrate with existing radar systems that have a range of
around 250 nautical miles.
Once these MRFs
are acquired by the country, the PAF, with the help of these radar systems, can
be deployed to determine whether the aircraft flying in Philippine airspace is
friendly or hostile.
These MRFs are
expected to augment the existing fleet of the PAF of 12 South Korean-made Mach
1.5 capable FA-50PH jet aircraft acquired from 2015 to 2017.
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