PAF ramps up pilot training, eyes faster, more lethal jets
The Philippines must ramp up pilot training if it is to buy 20 or more multi-role fighter jets as it modernizes and expands joint operations with its navy, according to an official of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
Philippine pilots are taking part for the first time in multinational war games overseas, the Pitch Black war games involving 20 Indo-Pacific and European countries over a vast area of northern Australia.
The exercises this month until August are consuming a million liters of aviation fuel a day, with fighter jets from the United States, Britain, Australia, Singapore, Japan and South Korea, among others, taking part.
The Philippines brought four of its 12 South Korean-built FA-50 fighter jets to the games and is assessing the capabilities of more advanced jets for its modernization program, the contingent’s commander, PAF Lt. Col. Randy Pascua, told Reuters in Darwin, Australia.
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said this month the government had approved a decision to buy “faster and more lethal” multi-role jet fighters because the FA-50 was “not enough to defend our country,” although no decision had been made on the type or how many.
Pascua said the air force needs to close a “big technological gap” as it modernizes its fighter jets, including lifting 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 defense for decades.”
Participation in Pitch Black would strengthen the Philippines’ international partnerships and “enforce our commitment to regional security and stability,” added the head of the 162-member contingent from Manila.
The PAF is focused on maritime domain awareness in joint operations with the navy, and the Philippines is building its air defenses amid tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea.
Manila and Beijing are locked in a confrontation in the disputed areas of the South China Sea and their encounters have grown more tense as China presses its claims to shoals in waters that the Philippines says are well within its exclusive economic zone.
International partnerships
The Philippine contingent made up of personnel from various military units and the four fighter jets arrived in Australia in two batches on July 7 and July 10 for Pitch Black 2024 onboard a PAF C-130 Tactical Transport aircraft.
During the sendoff ceremony for the second batch on July 8, PAF commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño highlighted that the country’s participation in the exercise is a testament to the years of dedication invested in developing operational capabilities and strengthening international partnerships.
On the first day of Pitch Black 2024 last July 15, two of the PAF aircraft, known for their agility and advanced capabilities, flew alongside two Royal Australian Air Force F-18 Hornets for basic fighter maneuver (BFM) exercise.
The PAF’s FA-50s also flew alongside the Indonesian Air Force’s F-16s for another BFM exercise the next day, which was followed by a dissimilar air combat tactics exercise where they flew alongside the Royal Thai Air Force’s JAS-39 Gripen.
The PAF said the coordinated maneuvers and air-to-air engagement demonstrated a high level of skill and cooperation among the participating air forces, including a variety of complex scenarios designed to test the participants’ readiness and adaptability in a multinational setting.
These exercises are crucial for building mutual trust and understanding among the participating nations, it added.
