DARWIN, Australia – The Philippine Air Force is intensifying pilot training as it plans to acquire 20 or more multi-role fighter jets, aiming to modernize and enhance joint operations with its navy, a senior commander announced on July 20.
For the first time, Philippine pilots are participating in multinational war games overseas, specifically the Pitch Black exercises involving 20 Indo-Pacific and European countries over northern Australia. These exercises, which consume a million litres of aviation fuel daily, involve testing war tactics and skills with fighter jets from countries such as the United States, Britain, Australia, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.
The Philippines has deployed four of its 12 South Korean-built FA-50 fighter jets to the games and is evaluating the capabilities of more advanced jets for its modernization program, according to Colonel Randy Pascua, the contingent’s commander.
Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner announced this month that the government had approved the purchase of “faster and more lethal” multi-role jet fighters, acknowledging that the FA-50 jets are “not enough to defend our country,” though no specific type or number has been decided.
Colonel Pascua emphasized the need for the air force to bridge a “big technological gap” as it upgrades its fighter jets, including improving pilot skills. “If we have to acquire more than 20 multi-role fighters, we really need to step up,” he said. “We are here to train and enhance our operational capability because we had lost capability for air defence for decades.”
Participation in Pitch Black is expected to strengthen the Philippines’ international partnerships and “enforce our commitment to regional security and stability,” Pascua added.
The Philippine Air Force is prioritizing maritime domain awareness in joint operations with the navy, particularly as Manila builds its air defenses amid escalating tensions with Beijing. The Philippines and China are engaged in a confrontation over the disputed South China Sea, with increasing encounters as China asserts its claims to shoals in waters that the Philippines maintains are within its exclusive economic zone.