The Philippine Air Force’s long search for jet fighter aircraft replacements seems to be over soon as the Department of National Defense is likely to acquire the Swedish-made Gripen Multirole Fighter Aircraft.
According to a report by the Philippine National Agency, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made the disclosure during the recently concluded book launch of former President Fidel V. Ramos at the Manila Hotel.
The defense secretary said that the Gripen proves to be an excellent fighter aircraft with a top speed of Mach 2 or 1,236 kilometers per hour (twice as the speed of sound). The Gripen is also currently being used by different countries all over Europe and Middle East.
During Lorenzana’s visit to Washington last month, the defense secretary said that the United States government offered to sell F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines. However, he said that the F-16 jet fighter interceptors are far too expensive for the country to afford.
For over ten years, the PAF has been scouting for a jet fighter aircraft that would replace the dilapidated US-made F5A/B jet interceptors they have. After the F-5s broke down and worn out, the Air Force has been trying to look for replacements but no progress was made.
According to the defense secretary, the acquisition of the Gripen fighter jets is needed to protect the country’s airspace. The Gripen, aside from being cheaper and less expensive in maintenance cost, has the same capability with other multirole fighter jets.
