Philippine Defense Minister Seeks 40 New Fighter Jets – US, South Korea, Sweden Compete for the Deal

The Philippine Secretary of National Defense has officially requested that Congress acquire 40 fighter jets. Candidates for this procurement include South Korean Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the American Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Swedish Saab.

According to industry sources on Tuesday, the Philippine military authorities recently proposed during a House budget hearing to purchase 40 multi-role fighter jets. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the country’s military capabilities with advanced combat aircraft and medium-range missiles.

Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. commented that the Philippines plans to acquire 40 new multi-role fighter jets to bolster its territorial defense. He noted that the process has started with requests for purchase proposals from members of the Philippine Congress.

Bidders will be required to offer a financing package that facilitates installment payments over several years.

While specific aircraft models were not mentioned, the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) had previously shortlisted Saab and Lockheed Martin as finalists in the 12 to 14 fighter jets purchase plan. Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen E/F and Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Block 70/72 Viper models are expected to participate in the bidding.

KAI and Dassault Aviation will also participate in the bidding for the Philippine fighter jet program. KAI’s KF-21 Boramae and Dassault’s Rafale have confirmed their participation. KAI has additionally proposed the FA-50 along with the KF-21 for the Philippines.

India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Tejas fighters will also participate in the bidding. A European consortium, the Eurofighter Consortium, plans to submit an official bid with the latest version of the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Among the competing models, KAI’s FA-50 stands out. The KAI FA-50 showcased its air combat capabilities during the joint air exercise Pitch Black 24, held at the Darwin base in Australia from July 12 to August 2 as the Philippine Air Force. The FA-50PH won against the Royal Thai Air Force’s JAS-39 Gripen in a dogfight conducted for mutual evaluation.

Secretary Teodoro revealed that the government has earmarked 400 billion pesos (approximately $7 billion) for this fighter jet acquisition. The Philippines also plans to invest at least 1.894 trillion pesos (around $33 billion) in further military modernization efforts.