Department of National Defense' Multirole Fighter Jet Package Proposal, Explained

The budget hearings in the bicameral chambers of Congress presented several interesting insights relating to the plans, programs, and prospects that the Department of National Defense has in improving the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in both firepower and logistical areas, addressing the challenges on both territorial defense and immediate deployment in the times of calamity.

Information that has provided in the said budget hearings are a mouthful that it does not simply get accomplished in a single writeup, but several highlights deserves to provide a full context on the vision that the Department of National Defense lies on its long-term capability improvement, especially on the ones set for the Philippine military. One of those visions delves into the most discussed acquisition project of the Philippine Armed Forces to date, which is the Philippine Air Force's plans of securing the purchase for its multirole fighter jets.

THE BUDGET HEARING

The Department of National Defense aims to get a full package for the Philippine Air Force's Multirole Fighter Jet Acquisition.
Sources of Images from Efrain Noel Morota (upper left), SAAB (upper right), Wikimedia Commons (lower left), German Air Force (lower right)

The multiple budget hearings that the Department of National Defense has before both chambers of Congress - in the House of Representatives and the Senate  - presented an insight into how the department will set its direction in the upcoming years. 

One of the interesting tidbits from this is their proposal to repeal Republic Act 10349, or the Revised AFP Modernization Law, and instead have its acquisition project funding done through a project-based scheme. The proposal to repeal deserves its own set of discussion.

At that specific budget hearing done together with the Senate Committee on Defense, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr highlighted the concerns relating to its current budgetary position, casting doubts that the fiscal room provided is small for the department to push for other projects under the Revised AFP Modernization Program, highlighting primarily to the purchase of the Multi-Role Fighter Jets of the Philippine Air Force, together with its associated packages.

When asked about how much money the Department of National Defense needs in buying the fighter jets for the Philippine Air Force, Secretary Teodoro highlighted that the project requires a budget of around Php 400 billion, even more if included other components that form part of the ‘multirole fighter jet package proposal’ of the department. 

The said components refer to what the defense department wants to include in the project - the Midair Refueling Tankers and Airborne Warning and Control System or AWACS.

After the budget requirements got presented, the next question delved into the number of squadrons that the Department of National Defense seeks in providing for the Philippine Air Force’s multirole fighter requirement, in which the defense secretary in return said that the budget is for the purchase of at least three (3) squadrons of the multi-role fighter jets of the Philippine Air Force. For context, a single squadron comes with twelve (12) fighter jets, with a full three (3) fighter jet squadron being at thirty-six (36) units.

The rationale of this bold and expensive undertaking of the Department of National Defense’s presentation for the multirole fighter jet package delves primarily to the long-term vision it entails, or what the Secretary of National Defense believes as a real force boost for the Philippine Air Force, rather than relying on a single squadron of the same multirole fighter jets, labeling them as a ‘token purchase’ that does not present real impact to the country’s territorial defense deterrence efforts.

Revisiting it again, the Philippine Air Force’s multirole fighter jet acquisition project is an active, ongoing acquisition project that is getting competition with the following aerospace companies that aims to secure the bid of getting the contract - US-based aerospace company Lockheed Martin and the F-16 Viper Block 70/72 variant, Sweden’s SAAB and the JAS-39 Gripen Block E/F variant, and the newest entrant being the Leonardo Eurofighter 2000 Typhoon Tranche 5. 

This discussion will not cover much about the multirole fighter jet candidates for this deal, and instead will cover more on the following key features, which is on the number of squadrons that the Department of National Defense aims to get in this arrangement, the inclusion made for both the Airborne Warning and Control System and Midair Refueling Tankers, the financing schemes and perks that aerospace companies offer, and the advantages and disadvantages this proposal entail to the deal in its entirety.

NUMBER OF SQUADRONS

The number of multirole fighter jets alone plays a role in an effective air defense deterrence.
From AIIRSOURCE Channel, YouTube.

The first contention in the budget hearing discussion between the Senate committee for defense and the Department of National Defense regarding the acquisition of Multi-role Fighter Jets for the Philippine Air Force is with the number of fighter squadrons that the said department aims to get in a single transaction. What followed is a clear and concise statement from the Secretary of National Defense, fully specifying that they aim to get at least three (3) fighter squadrons at one go.

The number specified is the clearest one ever provided from the Department of National Defense, and is also the most recent one that define the multirole fighter jet package proposal that they aim to get, with the support of the Congress, together with the Department of Finance and the Department of Budget and Management in coming up either with a creative financing scheme, or an increased budgetary allotment to make this highest valued military purchase to date possible.

For context, a squadron of fighter jets within the Philippine Air Force stands at around twelve (12) units, as this is at best exhibited with how the Fifth Fighter Wing organizes the batch sales of the Korean-made FA-50s that it made through the years. 

First in 2015 and then in 2025, the air service branch of the Philippine Armed Forces always has its eyes fixated into securing at least twelve (12) units of fighter jet per batch, as it comes clearly given with the orders made for the FA-50 Lead-In Fighter Trainers.

Carrying it over to the multi-role fighter jet package proposal, and the picture comes clear that the Department of National Defense aims to get at least thirty-six (36) multirole fighters or three (3) squadrons of twelve (12) each per squadron of multirole fighters, or forty (40) multirole fighters if we based from their previous statements regarding the project. The numbers provided provide an ideal setup, where there are at least thirty-six (36) single-seater multirole fighter jets and four (4) dual-seater conversion trainer jets.

Of course, having such a large number for an order of multirole fighter jets that counts as the most unprecedented one in the country’s defense history also comes with a heavy price tag, one that cast doubt whether the deal might push through as the history of budgetary allotments released for the Department of National Defense or the Revised AFP Modernization Program can only fund military projects at an extent, that the numbers presented only come as ‘piecemeal’ at best.

To be fair with the people in the Department of National Defense, getting this project funded in one go, either through an overhauled legislation on foreign borrowings or by a boosted annual defense budget, gives a significant boost worth counting as a great leap for the modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, rather than relying on ‘token’ accomplishments that is to get a squadron of multirole fighter jets and call it a day, with the Philippine Air Force getting the minimum number.

As the thirty-six (36) multirole fighter jets isn’t enough for a package proposal pushed by the Department of National Defense, the next part of the discussion will also include other crucial parts of what count as a comprehensive air defense solution, where networked nodes with up-to-date shared critical information gives added capabilities for the proposed fighter jets, one that clearly means giving additional eye in the sky that can detect threats coming from afar.

AIRBORNE WARNING AND CONTROL SYSTEM (AWACS)

SAAB has the Erieye AWACS as part of its offer for the JAS-39 Gripen E/F variant of the Philippine Air Force.
Image Source.

The package for multirole fighter jets, as what the Department of National Defense is proposing, does not limit to just the number of fighter jets alone but also includes other military assets that give more eyes in the sky, an integrated networked system that coordinates updated movements of the air force belonging to the foreign adversary in the patch of an airspace that count as the current area of operations at the time that a mission gets carried out.

That ‘added eyes in the sky’ component refers to having the Airborne Warning and Control System or ‘AWACS’ included in the package, one that comes with advanced radar and other related sensors onboard that can detect upcoming threats, whether it might be an enemy fighter aircraft or an upcoming missile that might pose a threat against critical facilities that the Philippines have scattered across the country, passing through and entering inside the Philippine airspace.

Being the one that has a full vision of the airspace domain, the Airborne Warning and Control System is also the one responsible to coordinate multirole fighter jet pilots as a command-and-control component into conducting operations that involves targeting both ground and aerial targets at a long distance given its deployment. 

This extra capability adds up to the force package presented by the Department of National Defense as a necessary part of the Philippine Air Force’s multirole fighter jet purchase.

As the idea of including AWACS to the force package of the Philippine Air Force comes into mind, so does the number of candidates that might likely end up in the Philippine Air Force’s inventory, depending on which of the candidates for the project will come up as the winner to the project. As for SAAB, there is a likelihood that they will offer the SAAB Erieye multi-domain AWACS that will come alongside the JAS-39 Gripen E/F offer, itself likely to use the SAAB 340 aircraft as its primary platform of choice.

SAAB’s own AWACS solution that itself produces comes as an advantage compared to its competitors in the Philippine Air Force’s multirole fighter jet acquisition program, as other aerospace companies like Lockheed Martin and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) does not have its own produced AWACS platform at the time this article publishes. For Lockheed Martin, while it produces the ‘AN/APY-9 radar’ for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AWACS aircraft, the AWACS product itself is actually from Northrop Grumman.

For Korea Aerospace Industries, it currently does not have its own AWACS product at the time this article has published, although a combination of AWACS from other suppliers might come together with its KF-21 Boramae deal with the Philippine Air Force shall things be pushed through. One thing that comes to mind is once again SAAB’s GlobalEye AWACS offer, as there is a memorandum of understanding between SAAB and KAI regarding this arrangement.

With the AWACS platform included in the Multirole Fighter Jet package that the Department of National Defense wanted for the Philippine Air Force to have as part of an integrated systems-based air defense suite, the variation of solutions depends on the preferable candidate for the project, with SAAB clearly in the advantage of providing this type of platform as an integrated package, as they are the only one among aerospace companies taking part that can produce its own AWACS aircraft.

MULTI-ROLE TANKER TRANSPORT (MRTT)

Depending on the package, AWACs like the Airbus A330 MRTT have the chance to be on the Philippine Air Force's inventory of support aircraft.
This is a U.S. Air Force photo by Christian Turner, Wikimedia Commons

The next component that the Department of National Defense presents as part of the multirole fighter jet acquisition program package of support system is the one that ensures that each fighter aircraft gets extended operational support all throughout the mission operations, and even beyond the capability of each unit’s onboard fuel tanks which means extended operational time and range as required in a solidified air operations. Entering the scene is an aerial refueling aircraft.

Also known as a multirole tanker transport aircraft or just simply a tanker aircraft, this unit plays a key role in extended air operations of a multirole fighter jet, as its purpose is to replenish operating aircraft with jet fuel through a rigid boom system or a flexible probe-and-drogue system, depending on the aircraft that come with either of the said two (2) mid-air refueling configuration. Notable examples of such aircraft are the Airbus A330 MRTT (Multirole Tanker Transport) and Boeing KC-46 Pegasus.

This is where Lockheed Martin and Eurofighter (via Airbus) have an advantage in offering an aerial refueling aircraft as part of the multirole fighter jet package, whereby the former already has the tanker variant of the C-130 aircraft known as the KC-130J, in use by the likes of the United States Marine Corps for their aircraft operations. 

The only concern with this offer is that the KC-130J comes with a flexible probe-and-drogue system, while the F-16 Viper it offers has a mid-air refueling design with a rigid boom system in mind.

The incompatibility between the KC-130J aerial refueling tanker aircraft and F-16 Viper fighter jets in terms of the mid-air refueling systems incorporated onboard can get mitigated with the F-16s coming with receptacles that enable the aircraft to have mid-air refueling capabilities compatible with the KC-130J aircraft, enabling Lockheed Martin to offer both the KC-130J and the F-16 Viper as part of its own multirole fighter jet package that the Department of National Defense seeks on.

Another competing entity is the Eurofighter consortium, where Airbus is a member itself, although the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 5 multirole fighter offer for the Philippine Air Force goes through another aerospace company, which is through the Italian-based firm named Leonardo. 

With the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 5 coming as a product of the consortium that Leonardo and Airbus are both members of, inserting the Airbus A330 MRTT in the offer makes sense for its own MRF package offer.

Airbus and its A330 MRTT come with a rigid boom system that is more compatible with the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper offer of Lockheed Martin, as compared to the KC-130J tanker aircraft that comes with the flexible hose and drogue system. 

It is also compatible with the KF-21 Boramae that Korea Aerospace Industries or KAI offered to the Philippine Air Force, as the Republic of Korea Air Force also operates the passenger jet-inspired Airbus aircraft for its own operational requirements.

With both the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and aerial refuel tankers included in the multirole fighter jet package, along with the Department of National Defense’s aim into getting at least three (3) squadrons of fighter jets in one go, the next part of the discussion will involve one of the largest hurdles that they will face amidst the plans into modernizing the capabilities of the Philippine Air Force in one go, one that involves the availability of budget and similar financial schemes. 

CREATIVE FINANCING SCHEME

The Honorable Secretary of National Defense's statement on the creative financing scheme as proposed before the country's private sector.
From the Department of National Defense Facebook Page.

To resolve the problem that surrounds the financial hurdles that will help support the Philippine Air Force and the Department of National Defense’ comprehensive multirole fighter jet package, they are pushing on an amendment in legislation that would enable them to secure soft loan and similarly crafted financial arrangement from foreign governments and institutions, basically enabling them to secure the purchase of the entire deal as presented by different aerospace candidates in the project.

One idea that comes from this hurdle is the proposed enactment of the Department of National Defense transformation bill, which aims to have a provision that points on the defense spending of the entire department, including those for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to have an allotment increase until it reaches at least 2% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product or GDP as a measuring stick for its annual budget, with an additional provision that there will be adjustments in every ten (10) years.

With the proposed enactment of the Department of National Defense transformation bill is the call to repeal the Revised AFP Modernization Law or the Republic Act 10349, on which the Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro said that the law has ‘outlived’ its purpose in supporting the capability improvement projects of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The said law, while providing sufficient support in improving the capabilities of the AFP, said that its efforts come ‘insufficient’ as technology paces on.

Aside from the Department of National Defense Transformation bill, another piece of legislation that is also being looked at is on the revisions in the Presidential Decree No. 415, known as the ‘Authorizing the Secretary of National Defense to Enter Into Defense Contracts to Implement Projects Under the Self-Reliance Defense Programs and For Other Purposes’. This legislation has a provision that limits the amount allowable for the Philippine government to avail the soft loans and similar arrangements for defense.

Under the said presidential decree, the limiting factor lies in Section 3, clearly detailing that the Secretary of National Defense can only undertake soft loans, supplier’s credit, and other arrangements relating to the purchase of expensive military hardware under this financial scheme type at the limit of around Three Hundred Million United States Dollars or US$ 300,000,000.00 or Php 17.4 Billion if based on the January 1, 2026 exchange rate of US$1.00 - Php 58.00.

This means that the Philippine military cannot go beyond the said amount into taking a soft loan or similar financial arrangement without undertaking amendments of the said Presidential Decree, which also means that the efforts undertaking for the Revised AFP Modernization Program is always at the mercy of the yearly enactment of the General Appropriations Act and its allotments to the Revised AFP Modernization Program. Such a scheme is insufficient given its annual record of limited budget allotments.

Its approval is crucial in the ongoing modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as the said Presidential Decree comes as a limiting factor for the Department of National Defense in getting multi-billion soft loan arrangements that can secure needed military hardware like the multi-role fighter jets and submarines. Lacking the support for this proposal will hamper the efforts to improve the Philippine military’s capability to provide the needed deterrence for its territorial-level defense posture.

ENDING NOTE

Italian arms supplier Leonardo actively markets the Eurofighter Typhoon 2000 to the Philippine Air Force.
Image Source.

At the time this article publishes, the 2026 General Appropriations Act introduces a special provision for the Revised AFP Modernization Program, enabling the Secretary of National Defense to undertake soft loan arrangement and similar schemes when buying expensive military hardware, which means this topic relating to multirole fighter jet packages that the Philippine Air Force and the Department of National Defense aspires to get is now slowly getting its way into reality.

It also means that the government might give a way to secure loans well beyond the limits provided under the Presidential Decree 415, while being compliant to the said decree by having the loans approved by both the Office of the President and the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or BSP. 

That will give all the needed support that the Department of National Defense needs in securing not only the aforementioned MRF package but also other equally expensive ones such as the Philippine Navy submarines.

This also correlates to the Philippine Air Force’s expanded interest on the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet produced by Korea Aerospace Industries, as it has the potential to have an expanded capability for a full-fledged multirole fighter jet, as its technological path includes integration of such capability under the Block II phase of the program. 

Currently, the KF-21 Boramae’s capability is limited to the air superiority role entailed from its original Block I phase of the entire development of Korea’s own indigenous stealth fighter.

The delivery dates that the Philippine Air Force seeks if the KF-21 Boramae deal pushes through, give a clear suggestion that there is a high likelihood that the said service branch might secure this deal, giving a way for them to secure a more capable fighter aircraft than the FA-50 light fighter trainer it currently operates and is now adding more squadron on the fleet, as this is the ideal path or ladder for end-users that uses military aircraft produced by the likes of Korea Aerospace Industries.

Another potential deal that comes with soft loans is the one with Leonardo regarding the Eurofighter Typhoon 2000 Tranche 5, as the Italian financing firm SACE met with officials of the Department of National Defense as a way of advancing its marketing of the capable fighter aircraft made by the consortium that Leonardo belongs, aside from its marketing of providing after-sales and logistical support for the aircraft once the Philippine Air Force decides in getting this multirole fighter jet.

Take note that revising Presidential Decree No. 415 is still needed, especially that permanently fixing it will give assurance for the national government to undertake defense deals under an affirmative provision that will allow the Department of National Defense to secure soft loan arrangements and other structured schemes. This will enable them to secure more expensive big-ticket projects, as what the multirole fighter jet package aims to secure.

Ultimately, getting the comprehensive multirole fighter jet program in motion, with assurances from the budgetary perspective, will ensure that the Philippine Air Force receives the boost it deserves to get, especially in this period where the current status quo in the Indo-Pacific region gets actively challenged by a regional power whose aim is on illegally securing the country’s EEZ domain. 

Getting the needed tools and in preparation, the country is in a better position to ensure the territorial defense posture it aims to have.

(c) 2026 PDA

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Leonardo's Eurofighter Offer And Their Support to the AFP Modernization

The following information comes from an official release made by a European Aerospace Company, with the offer being one of the fighter jet that come as part of the consortium and now entering as one of their official candidate for the Philippine Air Force's multirole fighter jet acquisition program.

German Luftwaffe's Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet.
Image Source.

Leonardo reaffirms support for the Philippines’ defence modernization and future-ready capabilities

PRESS NOTE

The global aerospace and defence leader highlights its commitment to advancing national security, operational readiness, and local capability development.

Philippines, 09/12/2025 - Amid the Philippines’ renewed push for rapid technological adaptation, specialized expertise and stronger interoperability to support a credible defence posture, Leonardo has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the country’s capability development and long-term modernization goals. The global aerospace and defence leader headquartered in Italy expressed its readiness to help the Philippine government invest in technologies, skills, and systems that enable a more resilient and future-ready 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,” Tommaso Pani, SVP Marketing and Sales, Aeronautics division of Leonardo, said in a statement. “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.”

Trusted Partner for a Future-Ready AFP

For decades, Leonardo has supported the Philippines’ defence and security requirements across air, land, sea, and cyber domains. Its long-standing collaboration with the Department of National Defence reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing national security and contributing to the country’s evolving operational needs.

This established partnership underpins Leonardo’s proposal for the Philippine Air Force’s multirole fighter acquisition program, designed to strengthen air superiority, improve multi-domain awareness, and enhance future force readiness.

Leonardo’s global reputation is built on technological innovation, mission reliability, and multi-domain expertise. The Eurofighter Typhoon program, developed with leading European defence partners Airbus Germany, Airbus Spain and Bae Systems, exemplifies this standard through its combat-proven performance, interoperability, and resilience.

Backed by the Eurofighter Partner Nations Italy, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom, the Eurofighter proposal draws on Leonardo’s comprehensive expertise, including support and training, and is structured around a collaborative framework that ensures transparency, strong governance, and alignment with the Philippines’ modernisation priorities.

Building National Capability and Economic Value

Beyond delivering advanced systems, Leonardo’s proposal emphasizes long-term national contribution. The plan includes technology transfer, training for Filipino engineers and pilots, participation of local industry, and the potential establishment of a Eurofighter logistic and training hub in the country.

These initiatives aim to create sustainable jobs, strengthen local expertise, and empower the Philippines to play a larger role in the regional aerospace ecosystem. Through this approach, Leonardo and its industrial partners reinforces their roles as trusted defence partners, providing solutions that enhance operational readiness while generating broader economic and industrial value.

= = = = = = = = = = 

Pitz Defense Analysis Note:

The release serves as Leonardo's official entry to the Philippine Air Force's multirole fighter jet acquisition program, competing directly against aerospace companies that already took part in the bidding process, namely Lockheed Martin, SAAB, and Korea Aerospace Industries. Their offers are the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper, the JAS-39 Gripen E/F variant, and the KF-21 Boramae.

This comes as the Philippine Air Force reportedly expressed its interest in getting the KF-21 Boramae of Korea Aerospace Industries as its mainstay multirole fighter jet, as they already provided the reliable FA-50 lead-in fighter trainers for the 5th Fighter Wing to operate and secure the country's airspace, with an additional twelve (12) units of this type have recently ordered for this purpose.

As the Department of National Defense now change into a multirole fighter jet package model in securing this project, along with the proposal that they are seeking a budget of Php 400 Billion for the purchase of the multirole fighter jet project under this scheme, it is still uncertain yet promising for companies like Leonardo to push this offer, although their offer stands a chance, especially with the offer presented by the company that will benefit the Philippine Air Force and the broader scope of the ongoing modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Given that the multirole fighter jet package model also comes with other equipment like the Airborne Warning and Control Systems or AWACS and refueling tankers, there lies an uncertainty with the model of aircraft presented in this scheme, although it is clear from Leonardo that they are offering the fighter aircraft that come as a mainstay platform among the countries in Europe, majority if not all the users in the continent being a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO.

At the end, it will be at the discretion of the leadership within both the Philippine Air Force and the Department of National Defense to take a second look into this offer and to make consideration on the terms presented, of which it defines whether there is a likelihood that the 5th Fighter Wing will end up getting fighter jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 5 or not.

(c) 2025 PDA.

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Mitsubishi F-2 Viper Zero for the Philippine Air Force?

The Philippine Air Force still pursues its quest of securing its future formidable multirole fighter jets, interdiction assets that have air interdiction, anti-shipping, and surgical strike capabilities in mind. With the ongoing stiff competition between established aerospace manufacturers that have to take part and are already part of the defense topic discussions, another one unexpectedly emerges, as this option actually resulted from the assessments made by the service branch itself.

IN THE NEWS

The Philippine Air Force sees this as another option for its MRF Acquisition Project.
(This is a U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Courtney Witt, via Wikimedia Commons.)

The multirole fighter jet acquisition project of the Philippine Air Force is yet to reach finalization this year, at least that’s what the Department of National Defense and this service branch under the Armed Forces of the Philippines are trying to aim. 

Currently, the competition is strong between two (2) aerospace manufacturers and their respective offers, which are the United States military industrial company Lockheed Martin and its F-16 Block 70/72 Viper offer, and the Swedish SAAB and its JAS-39 Gripen E/F variant.

Recently, the Philippine Air Force renewed its interest in getting multirole fighter jet squadrons for its operational use, only this time the leadership now considers Japanese-made aircraft, most notably the Mitsubishi F-2 Viper Zero multirole fighter jet for its operational use. 

The interview took place during the announcement that the Philippine Air Force will purchase an additional squadron of FA-50 lead-in fighter trainers, an interest first announced by the air service branch from 2022.

The consideration comes as the air service branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will materialize the longest-running multirole fighter jet acquisition project, whereby both the Philippine Air Force and the Department of National Defense still see the project as the one with utmost priority, improving the capability of the air service branch that augments the current squadron of FA-50s responsible to cover the country’s air defense identification zone.

Produced between 1995 and 2011, the F-2 Viper Zero multirole fighter jets serve as one of the primary platforms of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force or JASDF in protecting its airspace against intruding parties, particularly the Russians and the Chinese that are entering the Japanese airspace from the northwest and southwest, respectively. 

Being the producer of the aircraft, Japan is the only user of its indigenously built aircraft, itself being a modification from the proven F-16 aircraft platform of Lockheed Martin.

In this topic, the discussions will simply delve into the development and production of this Japanese variant of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, of which the story will also involve some tidbits from the original aircraft that the F-2 Viper Zero derives itself from. 

As an extra point, the said Japanese fighter shares similar DNA to the latest F-16 Block 70/72 Viper multirole fighter jet, itself actively offered by the United States-based aerospace company Lockheed Martin to the Philippine Air Force.

FROM THE PRODUCERS OF THE TERESA MAGBANUA-CLASS MRRVS

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' aerospace division also produces licensed copies of F-15 for JASDF use.
Image retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.

Originating from the discussion relating to the production and eventually the entry of the Teresa Magbanua-class Multirole Response Vessels to the Philippine Coast Guard (and the ongoing production of at least five more vessels of this type), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as an entity goes beyond the usual shipbuilding practices that made these large Philippine Coast Guard vessels possible, but also they played a key role in establishing and improving the Japanese aerospace industry.

This refers to its engagement with the Japanese aerospace industry itself, as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries played a crucial role into providing the Japan Air Self-Defense Force or JASDF with its licensed-produced military aircraft, with designs usually originated from the United States for domestic altercation and production use such as the Mitsubishi F-2 Viper Zero multirole fighter aircraft. This comes as a continuation of the aerospace experience embodied by the company even before the Second World War.

One of the fully notable examples that Mitsubishi contributed in aerospace during the Second World War is the Mitsubishi A6M ‘Zero’ fighter plane, in which its agility and maneuverability played a key role in gaining air superiority in the Western Pacific theater in the first months of the war against the United States and its allies, until this was eventually caught up by advanced fighter aircraft developed to counter its capabilities, such as the North American P-51 Mustang Aircraft.

In ‌contemporary times, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ contribution to the development of the Japanese aerospace industry goes beyond the production of the F-2 Viper Zero, but also it involves‌ the locally produced license copies of the F-15J Eagle air superiority fighter (see image above), and the locally produced license copies of S-70 Black Hawk helicopters, which are the Mitsubishi H-60 helicopters for all the service branches of the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF).

With the company’s product line presentation provided, it provides a full picture regarding the experience and expertise that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has in aerospace development and production, and has since then played a critical role in developing and improving the capabilities of Japan Air Self Defense Force into a formidable entity it is today, defending Japanese airspace against intruding Russian and Chinese aircraft. 

The next part of this discussion will delve into the development of the F-2 Viper Zero.

THE DEVELOPMENT

The Mitsubishi F-2 Viper Zero started as a development project under the name "XF-2".
Image Source.

From a rather obvious standpoint, the F-2 Viper Zero’s design shared from the iconic F-16 Fighting Falcon, as the latter presents as a point of preference for a Japanese company like the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to develop its own fighter aircraft from a proven design, but with tweaks that will come applicable to the requirements presented by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force or JASDF. This development came when the JASDF needed to replace its aging fleet of F-1 supersonic strike aircraft.

As for the reason the F-2 Viper Zero sought ‌inspiration from a foreign-designed fighter aircraft, the story goes back to the 1980s, when Japan’s Technical Research and Development Institute or TRDI seeks for an indigenous design for a future multirole fighter jet concept intended for Japan Air Self Defense-Force use. 

As the Mitsubishi F-1s were more likely to get phased out by the 1990s, it ended in the conclusion that it required a joint partnership and a fighter design derived from the F-16C.

Known as the FS-X or Fighter Support Experimental, the development of the Mitsubishi F-2 Viper Zero has two (2) primary purposes in mind, the first of which focusing on anti-ship operations that is vital for sea lane protection and amphibious operations deterrence, while the second one focusing on its usual fighter interceptor role that the other aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force has in service. This fits the description of the F-2 Viper Zero being a multirole fighter jet platform.

The agreement reached finalization when Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Lockheed Martin provided the terms that the development cost is having a share of 60% and 40% respectively, with a full technology transfer of the core F-16 design getting transferred to the Japanese entity. 

This then followed into the production of prototypes for flight testing and other purposes in 1997 until it reached serial production just a year later in 1998, when it continued until the orders made by JASDF got fulfilled in 2012.

As the Philippine Air Force expressed its interest in the capabilities and other factors that this Japanese-made aircraft has in consideration while competing to other proven platforms like the JAS-39 Gripen E/F variant of SAAB and the original, latest version of the F-16 Viper Block 70/72 of Lockheed Martin, the following sub-discussion will delve primarily on the specification of the F-2 Viper Zero, especially on the deviations made from the original design that the aircraft has derived from.

SPECIFICATIONS

Here is an image showing a clear comparison between F-16 and the F-2 in terms of their wings and fuselages.
Image Source.

On the image provided above, there is already a minor difference between the F-16 multirole fighter jet made by General Dynamics that eventually became part of Lockheed Martin’s portfolio, and the Japanese derivative that still counts as a license copy of the F-16, a modification suited for the requirements specified by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force or JASDF for an aircraft that share the same DNA. The following details describe its specifications as a fighter aircraft made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

For its size dimensions, the F-2 Viper Zero has a length of 15.52 meters, a wingspan of 10.8 meters, with the width extended further to 11.13 meters with wingtip launchers, a height of 4.96 meters, and a wing area of 34.84 meter squared. 

Aside from its size, the Japanese-made aircraft has an empty weight of 9.5 tons, a gross weight of 13.5 tons, and ‌a maximum take-off weight, or MTOW, of 22.1 tons. Both size and weight played a significant role in the aircraft’s performance, which is the next one in this discussion.

The aircraft’s performance also comes with its engine setup playing a crucial role in accomplishing the needed objectives on both anti-shipping and air defense operations, whereby the F-2 Viper Zero’s propulsion system comes with a single afterburning turbofan jet engine configuration, similar to its parent F-16 model. The jet’s engine is a General Electric F-110-IHI-129, a license-copied engine made by Japan’s IHI Corporation, formerly the Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.

Regarding the aircraft’s flight characteristics, the F-2 Viper Zero has a maximum speed of Mach 1.7 at high altitude, whereas it has a maximum speed of Mach 1.1 when flying at low altitude. 

Likewise, the operating range of the Japanese-made variant of the F-16 Viper aircraft comes at around 830 kilometers in combat range, while it has a transfer range of 3,500 kilometers, provided that it comes with external fuel tanks onboard for this operation to take place.

For comparison, the latest variant of the F-16, ‌the Block 70/72 Viper variant, has a maximum speed of Mach 2.05, although its sustained speed comes lower at around Mach 1.89. 

Also, there are at least nine (9) hard-points that the F-2 Viper Zero intended for munitions like the AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, while capable of carrying ASM-1 and ASM-2 anti-ship missiles. The F-16 Block 70/72 Viper comes with around 11 hard-points to fit munitions onboard for sortie objectives.

THE LIKELY OUTCOME

While the F-2 Viper Zero is in consideration, the competition still sticks between the offers made by both SAAB and Lockheed Martin.
File Image.

As the Philippine Air Force looking for other options like the Mitsubishi F-2 Viper Zero for its multirole fighter jet prospects, the fact remains that this consideration comes only as a sideline to the greater scheme of this project that the said military service branch aims to have, primarily into securing the deal for the jets before the year 2025 ends. This deal dwells once again between Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Viper Block 70/72 and SAAB’s JAS-39 Gripen E/F variant.

The development comes simply as part of the ongoing story relating to the current limbo surrounding the Multi-role Fighter Jet Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force, as its snail-paced progress has span decades since its first inception in the original iteration of the AFP Modernization Program in the 1990s, of which the dilly-dallying movement is still ongoing at the time this article publishes. Still, the leadership’s interest in the Japanese derivative of the F-16 Viper shows their constant interest in getting a multirole fighter.

As this option remains just mere plans, the fact remains that this shows a sign of growing bilateral defense ties between Japan and the Philippines, particularly that the recently signed Reciprocal Access Agreement or RAA between both countries will now come into effect by September 2025. This tie is just the latest one between the both countries in the Indo-Pacific region, the one that shares equal concerns relating to a regional aggressor and that has a geography that lies in an area known as the First Island Chain.

While eyeing ‌the F-2 Viper Zero isn’t surprising for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to see and consider, there are other programs that both Japan and the Philippines gets strongly focused on related to defense, one of which involves the purchase of several Destroyer Escorts that are likely getting decommissioned in the upcoming years, improving the capabilities of the Philippine Navy fleet. This will come with its own set of discussions.

In the end, the growing bilateral ties between Japan and the Philippines are a prospect of shared national defense interest and the importance of providing a collective defense posture with like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region, especially when considering that a regional power and an adversary is pushing for its own dominance while undermining the interest of its neighbors. Here is hoping for a stronger defense push between countries, with the Philippines focusing on securing its seas and airspace.

(c) 2025 PDA.

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Detailing the New F-16 Viper Offer from DSCA for the Philippine Air Force

Since this was first reported, the Philippine Air Force aspires to have its squadron of new and more capable multirole fighter jets, one that can surpass the current firepower load-out and other features that the FA-50PH that the air service branch currently maintains in service.

As the new information provided from an official portal that forms part of the United States' system for Foreign Military Sales, this topic will delve primarily on the new information involving a known multirole fighter jet made by that country's premier aerospace company, intended for the Philippine Air Force's air defense requirements.

THE OFFICIAL DSCA RELEASE

An artist's rendition of what a Philippine Air Force F-16 Viper will look like.
From Lockheed Martin Facebook Page.

On a normal Tuesday of April 1, 2025, an information relevant to the Philippine Air Force’s Multirole Fighter Jet Acquisition Program has released on the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency or DSCA, providing information on the request of approval for a Foreign Military Sale or FMS of a certain fighter aircraft made in the United States. And, no, this is not another April Fools Joke, as the release refers to an updated information for a potential sale of F-16 Block 70/72 Viper aircraft.

And why ‘updated’, one might ask? The answer points to another release made by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency or DSCA on their website, also referring to a potential sale of F-16 Block 70/72 Viper, with the details posted on their website since June 24, 2021. 

At the time we publish this article, the previous one is no longer available from the DSCA website, fully reflecting on the updated and most recent release made on the website for the Philippine Air Force’s multirole fighter jet requirements.

At a glance, it refers to the potential sale of at least twenty (20) units of F-16 Block 70/72 Viper multirole fighter jet, of which sixteen (16) are the single-seater F-16Cs, while the remaining four (4) units are the double-seater, conversion trainer F-16Ds for the Philippine Air Force pilots to familiarize more about the aircraft. The estimated cost of the entire package presented is at around US$5.58 Billion, or Php 310 Billion, based on the exchange rate of US$1.00 = Php 55.57.

The price tag is unsurprising high even at the original budget allotted for the project under the Horizon 2 phase being at around Php 61 Billion, as factors like inflation came into play, not to mention that the offers made through DSCA always come with other components included in the entire F-16 package presented in the website. This includes the number of munitions and spare parts items in the presented package, of which its breakdown will get covered throughout this discussion.

In the previous offer before the update, the details presented on the DSCA website refer to the potential sale of at least twelve (12) units of F-16 Block 70/72 Viper multirole fighter jet, of which ten (10) are single-seater F-16Cs, and the remaining two (2) units are the double seater, conversion trainer F-16Ds. 

The price tag presented for this arrangement comes at around US$2.43 Billion, of which it comes at around Php 118.34 Billion during the June 24, 2021 exchange rate of US$1.00 = Php 48.69.

As usual, aside from the increase in the number of units in the updated release, both the spare parts and ammunition package also increase, ranging from the AIM-9X sidewinder missiles to Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles or AMRAAMS, of which reports provided might have the numbers change to make the deal more bearable for the Department of National Defense to consider. Also included are the sensors and other crucial aircraft subcomponents that are part of the F-16 system deployed onboard.

This discussion will delve more into the details surrounding the updated release from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency website, particularly into the breakdown of armaments, spare parts, and aircraft units included in the package as compared to the original 2021 figures. 

Going further, the missile systems discussed will also come with a glance, providing details on its capabilities that might help improve the capabilities of the Philippine Air Force; especially if they get this multirole fighter jet aircraft type.

THE NUMBER OF JETS

From the initial 12 units, the new DSCA release now calls for 20 units, an increase of 8 more units.
File image.

One immediate change that came from the updated release from the DSCA website for April 1, 2025, as compared to the first iteration way back in 2021, is the number of F-16 Viper units included in the deal, intended for the Philippine Air Force’s multirole fighter jet acquisition project. The change also reflects the direction of the air service branch’s primary objectives in securing the needed numbers under this project, which will cover shortly throughout this sub-topic.

In the original release of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency or DSCA website in 2021, the information provided calls for the sale of at least twelve (12) F-16 Block 70/72 Viper through Foreign Military Sales or FMS arrangement, whereby the breakdown comes down to at least ten (10) single-seater F-16 Block C variant and at least two (2) double-seater F-16 Block D conversion trainer variant. The latter will help pilot aspirants to familiarize the aircraft’s operational function, among other combat purposes.

In the numbers provided in 2021 reflects the original multirole fighter jet acquisition project requirements of the Philippine Air Force of that period, whereby the service branch aims to have at least twelve (12) units of multirole fighter jets that will probably form into a squadron, with a meager budget of around Php 61 Billion. 

Of course, given the components released as a package in the DSCA website, the budget required for twelve (12) F-16s plus other components surpassed that of the presupposed budget allotted.

The current 2025 version of the offer has since increased to at least twenty (20) units of F-16 Block 70/72 Viper, of which sixteen (16) units are the single-seater F-16 Block C variant, while the remaining four (4) units are the dual-seater, conversion trainer variants of the F-16 Block D variant. This clearly reflects the Philippine Air Force’s updated numbers for its Multirole Fighter Jet Acquisition Project, of which the Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro now calls for a total number of at least forty (40) units of this aircraft. 

This means that Lockheed Martin, with this information provided by the DSCA website for the Philippine Air Force’s multirole fighter jet requirements, will cover at least half of the total number that the air service branch aims to get under this updated arrangement provided by the said end-user, along with the Department of National Defense. 

From this, the remaining twenty (20) units of aircraft might still be open to other competitors, especially if the first half pushed through, awarded to the US aerospace company.

The increase in the number of units of F-16 Block 70/72 Vipers on the website release reflects not only on the desires of the Philippine Air Force in finalizing this portion of the multirole fighter jet project, but also for Lockheed Martin to push its marketing further into securing this project. That also means further cementing its foothold in the Philippine defense and aerospace market, adding up along with the C-130J-30s and S-70i Black Hawk Helicopters that the Philippine Air Force purchased from this said manufacturer.

As the numbers added for this new iteration of the multirole fighter jet acquisition project fully delved on, the next portion to talk on is on the munition aspects of the updated release, with comparisons provided between the recent one to the original release in 2021. 

This portion, at a glance, has an increase with the number of munitions included and also on the type of munitions provided, some of which might help provide the firepower requirements for a Philippine Air Force multirole fighter jet to use during missions.

THE MUNITIONS

Munitions include the AIM-9X Sidewinder Missile.
Image Source.

Aside from the number of units mentioned in the upgraded deal for F-16 Block 70/72 Viper, another thing to check in the details is the number and type of munitions that forms part of the package, as each of the presented firepower provides additional capabilities for the said multirole fighter jet’s operational requirements, as the Foreign Military Sales arrangement of the United States DSCA always come with its package as complete, although details might still subject for further negotiation with the Philippine side.

The 2025 updated release provides additional forms of munitions that have not offered in the original 2021 version for the F-16 Block 70/72 offer to the Philippine Air Force, the following will come as a list with a glance on the capabilities of each offered munition for this project, ranging from air-to-air missile munitions to guided bombs and guided bombing kits that can fit on unguided munitions, most of which being new capabilities that will help augment the air service branch’s existing munitions inventory.

One notable munition included on the package for the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper are the AIM-9X air-to-air missile munitions, of which these Sidewinders, as it commonly called, come as an improvement to the AIM-9L Sidewinder that typically found fitted with the Philippine Air Force’s FA-50PH Lead-In Fighter Trainers made by Korea Aerospace Industries or KAI. This is not surprising, as the AIM-9X is currently the latest variant of the Sidewinder family of air-to-air missile munitions.

As quoted in this spec sheet that talks about the AIM-9 Sidewinder family, the AIM-9X variant has the same rocket motor and warhead as the AIM-9M. Major physical changes from previous versions of the missile include fixed forward canards and smaller fins designed to increase flight performance. The guidance section gets redesigned and features an imaging infrared seeker, and its propulsion section now incorporates a jet-vane steering system for enhanced post-launch ability. 

Another interesting air-to-air missile munition recently included in the package on the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper for the Philippine Air Force is the AIM-120C-7/C-8 AMRAAM or the Advanced Medium Air-To-Air Missiles, of which twenty-four (24) units comes included in this package. 

The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a beyond visual range or BVR missile, of which such capability is currently nonexistent in the Philippine Air Force, hence its inclusion might improve the air service branch’s air defense capabilities.

Of course, included in the munitions package list is the 500 lb Mark-82 bombs, of which the Philippine Air Force surely have in its inventory, some of which fitted with kits that form the GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs for surgical strikes and precision-related mission objectives.  All the mentioned munitions will provide the full support for the operational requirements of the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper, as an effort to establish the multirole fighter jet force of the Philippine Air Force.

Aside from the munitions, the next point of discussion that will complete this topic will be on the spare parts support of the package, of which the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper aircraft provided to the Philippine Air Force will not only limit to the units bought but also with spare parts support that will increase its operational time, along with providing the needed support infrastructure that ensures the air service branch’s ability to sustain the operations of the multirole fighters in the following decades of operations.

SPARE PARTS, SENSORS, AND SUBCOMPONENT KITS

Spare engines also come as part of the package.
This is an U.S. Air National Guard photo by Audra Flanagan, via DVIDS.

Another part of the package that the United States Foreign Military Sales arrangement provided by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency or DSCA on their website are the sensors and spare parts package of the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper, most of which are likely integrated with the units provided for the Philippine Air Force’s multirole fighter jet requirements, with the provided extra numbers intended as a spare parts hulk for prolonged operational airworthiness.

One notable component to point on is the supply of twenty-four (24) F110-GE-129D or F100-PW-229 Engines (20 installed, 4 spares), which means the engines come at both installed and spare part configuration that ensures continuous operational airworthiness of the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper, along with the bureaucratic description of providing and including the installed subsystems onboard the aircraft as part of the deal with the Philippine Air Force, aside from discussing the fighter jet units at a glance.

Aside from the engines, the aircraft’s sensors have also included in the package, of which it refers to the twenty-two (22) AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Scalable Agile Beam Radars (SABR), (20 installed, 2 spares). 

The numbers provided for the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper’s main radar come similarly to the said multirole fighter aircraft’s engines in terms of spare, except that there are two (2) fewer spares for the AESA radar, but still sufficient for operational requirements based on this given parameter.

Including in the package are the twelve (12) AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) and twenty-four (24) Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS-JTRS), whereby the former provide improved long-range target detection/identification and continuous stabilized surveillance for all missions, including close air support of ground forces and the latter serve as a suite that connects an F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jet to the Link-16 Tactical Data Link network.

The said components form an integral part of the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper’s own capabilities, which go beyond its dogfighting and beyond visual range (BVR) missile shooting capabilities. 

The latter components mentioned provide the needed information and communication exchange between units of a larger network system employed by an armed force, all playing a crucial role in coordination and quick decision making that defines the outcome of the conflict.

Adding to the spare parts and subcomponents list are the following items: AN/ARC-238 radios; AN/APX-127 or equivalent Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Combined Interrogator Transponders (CIT) with Mode-5, KY-58 and KIV-78 cryptographic devices, AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKLs); KGV-250X cryptographic devices, Scorpion Hybrid Optical-based Inertial Trackers (HObIT) or Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems II (JHMCS II) helmet mounted displays, and night vision devices (NVDs).

While the list provided on the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency or DSCA is more comprehensive than the content of this article, the final items provided come as an integral part of the offered F-16 Block 70/72 Viper as an essential subcomponent installed onboard. 

Also, all the components provided in the comprehensive release are all for the improvement of the Philippine Air Force’ capabilities, as this means a lot for the air service branch’s first multirole fighter jet since the AFP Modernization has started.

LOOKING FORWARD

Information received has suggested that there is a promising prospect on the horizon.
File Image.

As the Philippine Air Force’s multirole fighter jet acquisition project pushes through, there are still some hurdles that need to be overcome prior to this project to get fulfilled, especially if this means purchasing new F-16 Block 70/72 for the air service branch. 

One of the primary concerns relating to this project is the budget availability, of which both the Philippine ambassador to the United States and the Secretary of National Defense are highlighting this concern that prevents the project from pushing through.

What remains now is the formal offer that the United States might bring into this deal that involves the said twenty (20) units of F-16 Block 70/72 Viper multirole fighter jets, along with the subcomponents, spare parts, and munitions included in the package as presented on the Defense Security Cooperation Agency or DSCA website release. 

The aerospace company Lockheed Martin said that they are optimistic about seeing this offer pushing through, suggesting a government-to-government approach as an idea to get it done.

Aside from the interesting tidbits on the package provided on an official website from one of the United States government’s own agencies, another thing to highlight on is Lockheed Martin’s ‘total package’, whereby they also present other tidbits that involve industrial development and tech transfer aspects such as in-country maintenance, repair and overhaul capacity. The said tidbits are for the support of the newly enacted Self Reliance Defense Posture Revitalization Act or the Republic Act 12024.

Despite the optimistic output provided by the aerospace manufacturer that produces the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper from its South Carolina production line, the discretion of a formal offer for the twenty (20) units of the said multirole fighter jet still lies with the United States government, of which they are still yet to provide an official one at the time of this writing. This still makes the multirole fighter jet acquisition project of the Philippine Air Force still relatively open to the competition.

Relating to the grand scheme of ongoing developments within the Philippine Air Force’s push for modernization, the Department of National Defense and the Korea Aerospace Industries or KAI, has signed a contract calling for an additional of twelve (12) FA-50 Lead-In Fighter Trainers, which is correlated to the multirole fighter jet program, particularly that this Korean-made light fighter serve as a stepping stone for pilots in terms of experience before embarking on board dedicated multirole fighters.

The recent developments provided sheds the possibility for the multirole fighter jet acquisition program to push through, although this would not come smoothly as there are still some concerns needed to iron out with some of those mentioned now finding its way for the materialization of the project and eventually for the Philippine Air Force to get its decent and dedicated fighter aircraft. The project comes at a significant importance to other defense-related projects like the land-based defense systems, as mentioned.

Ultimately, the goal for the Philippine Air Force is to improve its overall air defense capabilities, sufficient to conduct its duty of protecting the country’s airspace that comprise the entire Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone or PADIZ, while adhering to the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Re-Horizon 3 modernization initiative, itself aligning to the Department of National Defense’ Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept or CADC.

All the mentioned efforts aim for the improvement of the defense of the Philippine republic and its core interest.

(c) 2025 PDA.

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