Philippine Air Force to buy 3 radar systems

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has programmed a P2.3-billion procurement project for three radar systems as part of its modernization program.

Once acquired, the radar systems would be installed in three strategic locations and would be capable of monitoring most of the country’s airspace, according to PAF vice commander Maj. Gen. Raul Dimatatac.

The multibillion-peso radar system acquisition project is needed to serve as the backbone of the PAF’s programmed acquisition of a squadron of lead-in fighter jets. Several countries have offered to sell these lead-in fighter jets, including the heavily favored South Korea’s T-50s.

The Department of National Defense (DND) is also scouting for medium and heavy-lift and long-range patrol aircraft, which are capable of hauling off cargoes and patrolling the country’s skies in support of the ground monitoring.

On Friday, the PAF commissioned a third refurbished C-130 cargo plane, bolstering the military’s airlift and transport capabilities anywhere in the country in times of disasters and calamities.

“This is definitely a big improvement to the PAF’s airlift capability considering that for the past years, we only have one C-130 aircraft in service,” Dimatatac said.