Philippines Seeks Short-Runway Capable Fighter Jets under Archipelagic Defense Strategy

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has confirmed that its upcoming multi-role fighter (MRF) acquisitions must include the capability to land and operate on short runways, in line with the country’s new Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).

Speaking to reporters at Villamor Air Base on Tuesday, PAF Commander Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura said the requirement aligns with Manila’s strategic focus on defending its territories and 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“The CADC, our defense campaign plan, entails projection, so we need to exhibit credible defense in our EEZ,” Cordura said, explaining that the MRF platforms must demonstrate long endurance, larger payload, and short-field performance to enable operations from forward bases across the Philippine archipelago.

The MRF acquisition will complement the PAF’s current fleet of FA-50PH light combat aircraft, which were procured between 2015 and 2017 under an ₱18.9 billion program. Unlike the FA-50PH, the new aircraft must offer enhanced range, armament, and basing flexibility.

Cordura emphasized that future air bases will be placed in peripheral island locations, calling it a “more strategic” move to improve response time and flexibility.

“We're looking at platforms that can operate under more asymmetric scenarios,” he said. “In addition, these platforms must be highly integrable and interoperable with our regional allies.”

The ₱61 billion ($1 billion) MRF program, now awaiting a final decision by the Department of National Defense (DND), has already completed its recommendation and review phase.

According to earlier reports, Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Block 70/72 “Viper” and Sweden’s Saab JAS-39C/D “Gripen” are the leading contenders.

The F-16 Block 70/72 is equipped with advanced radar and multirole combat capabilities, while the JAS-39 Gripen is noted for its ability to conduct dispersed operations from unprepared roads and short runways, making both contenders suitable under the CADC framework.

Cordura said a final platform selection is expected “very soon.”