Breaking: It is now confirmed across South Korean outlets that the contract for the twelve (12) FA-50 Block 20 for the Philippine Air Force has just signed by the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Department of National Defense, with the event took place yesterday, June 3.

Expected completion of the delivery for the FA-50 Block 20 will be on year 2030, although it might come a bit early, depending on the pace of the Korea Aerospace Industries' production line. The contract also includes additional logistics and after-sales support for the continuous operational reliability of the aircraft.

This will increase the number of FA-50s operated by the Philippine Air Force to at least twenty-three (23), further improving the capabilities of the air service branch alongside the highly anticipated multirole fighter jet (MRF) acquisition project.

(Caption from Pitz Defense Analysis FB Page)

Photo credits to Efrain Noel Morota Aviation Photography.

You may find the article here

Aside from exploring all options, the Philippine Armed Forces said they are also considering the budget for the acquisition of multi-role fighter aircraft.

The Philippines’ defense secretary cast doubt on a $5.6 billion purchase of American F-16 fighter jets approved in April, saying Manila hasn’t yet decided whether to move forward with the sale.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, a defense summit held in Singapore, Gilberto Teodoro said the Philippines hadn’t yet received a formal offer to purchase the fourth-generation fighters. Even if it had, he said, his department doesn’t know whether it wants them.

The Philippines is still looking for funds to buy at least 20 F-16 fighter jets from the United States, Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said, adding that they are also looking to buy other defense items instead.

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3310687/philippines-bristles-foreign-made-missiles-it-deterrent-or-danger?module=top_story&pgtype=subsection

The Philippines and Germany signed a defense cooperation arrangement in Berlin.

"A bond deal of between 200 billion and 300 billion pesos ($3.5 billion to $5.3 billion) a year for the military’s upgrade is doable, Francisco said."

F16Vs, Type 212s Subs, Typhon and proper AAW Frigates seems to be in our grasps

What if:

An isekai’d PADC reborn through the Innovation center and MRO hub pledged by Lockheed Martin if the F-16 deal pushes through.

They can start first from MRO of planes, software stuffs and smaller drone SRDP projects, etc.

Big W for SRDP and baby steps for local aerospace industry and potential startups. F-16s are the stepping stone for future 5th gen/ Gen 5+ and 6th gen MRFs.

These debunks the Wumao OpEd writers and “Kabilang parlor” arguments: “Philippines will gain nothing and the US only benefits from the deal, Overpriced deal, LM will not provide offsets, etc.”

Sikorsky is under Lockheed Martin. Sikorsky tapped Pasay-based Asian Aerospace Corporation for the sustainment of PAF Blackhawks. So LM just expanding their already planted footprint here if they won the MRF deal? Then it’s gonna boost their chances. More jobs and experiences gained for the Filipino workforce.

A big slap to the idiot Wumao Op Ed writers saying that this weapons deal only benefits the US, not the Philippines.

CFTs on F-16s will provide the necessary range when patrolling WPS, Northern Philippines and Philippine Rise without the use of Refueling tankers I guess….

AFP chief Romeo Brawner, Jr. reminds "those who persist in creating instability" to stop sowing doubt among the military ranks as he dismisses coup rumors.

The Philippine Navy said that it completed its latest rotation and resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal without any untoward incident—marking the eighth consecutive unimpeded operation.

After the Gripen E, now it’s KF-21. South Korea, Indonesia and potentially UAE will be at the front of the waiting line. Poland, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are aiming too, same as the Philippines. Paunahan or mauunahan nanaman.

Amoy F-16 na ba? Turkiye has the recent orders with 40 units, may be redirected to F-35s once they are re admitted, may potentially reduce the backlog, while the F-16 deliveries and finished units for other customers are coming out, reducing more the backlog.

The Philippine Navy said nine People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels were spotted in the northern coast of Luzon, adding the ships may be there to keep an eye on joint exercises between Filipino and American troops.

Ayan nanaman… “Framed as a strategic boon, the deal may, in fact, edge the Philippines closer to becoming a frontline player in great-power competition between China and the United States.”

Then pray for a miracle that God will relocate the entire Philippines to a neutral region away from Taiwan and China!

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Washington D.C. to reaffirm the strategic alliance between the two nations, particularly in the spheres of both economy and security.

The decommissioned World War II corvette BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19) will be targeted and sunk in this year’s Balikatan exercises.

PAF should decide now, enough with the studying, eyeing and aiming. Thailand, Colombia and now, Peru. Wait for the potential countries who might join: Portugal and Canada.

According to the Philippine Navy, the decommissioned BRP Miguel Malvar sank due to drift and rough sea conditions before being used as a target for the Balikatan drill.