The Philippines’ ambition to fortify its defense capabilities, several of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers showcased their offerings at the Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) 2024 Exhibition in Manila. The exhibition follows the Philippines’ announcement of plans to acquire up to 40 multi-role fighter (MRF) jets, as part of a broader push to modernize its military amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region.
The Department of National Defense (DND) of the Philippines had revealed last month that it intends to allocate a budget of 1.894 trillion pesos (approximately $33.74 billion) to upgrade and strengthen its external defense systems. This massive investment is set to include the procurement of 40 advanced combat aircraft, a decision that has drawn attention from numerous global defense firms eager to secure the contract.
Leading Contenders at ADAS-2024
The ADAS-2024 exhibition saw major players in the defense industry, including Saab, Lockheed Martin, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Leonardo, and Turkish Aerospace (TA), all vying for a slice of the Philippine defense budget. According to Janes, all these manufacturers showcased their latest aircraft, including Swedish manufacturer Saab with its Gripen-E, Lockheed Martin with its F-16, KAI with its KF-21 ‘Boramae’, Leonardo with the Eurofighter Typhoon, and Turkish Aerospace with its Hürjet and KAAN. Notably absent from the event was Dassault, though its Rafale aircraft remains a key contender for the contract.
Saab: Betting Big on Gripen-E
Among the manufacturers present, Saab stood out by exhibiting a full-size mock-up of its Gripen E/F fighter jets, signaling its strong interest in the Philippine market. The Gripen-E is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter jet, designed with advanced avionics, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare systems to operate effectively in contested airspace.
“Designed to defeat any adversary, Gripen E incorporates cutting-edge technologies, the latest systems, sensors, and weapons to deliver air superiority in highly contested environments,” reads Saab’s description of the aircraft. It emphasizes the jet’s ability to execute silent networking and sensor fusion across a tactical air unit, enabling one aircraft to actively engage targets while others remain passive, further confusing the enemy.
Despite facing tough competition in Europe, where many nations have opted for the U.S.-made F-35, Saab’s hopes are bolstered by its recent success in Thailand. The Thai government’s decision to procure Gripen-E over the Lockheed Martin F-16 offers Saab a foothold in Southeast Asia, which the company hopes to replicate in the Philippines.
Earlier this year, Saab inked a defense framework agreement with the Philippine government, laying the groundwork for potential military sales, including the Gripen-E. Additionally, Philippine Air Force (PAF) Chief Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño led a delegation to Sweden in 2023 to inspect Saab’s JAS-39 Gripen fighters and its airborne early warning systems, further hinting at the company’s increasing influence.
Lockheed Martin: The F-16 Block 70/72
The American defense giant Lockheed Martin also remains a formidable contender in the competition, offering its F-16 Block 70/72, also known as the F-16V. An upgraded variant of the widely successful F-16, the Block 70/72 is packed with modern features such as advanced radar systems, improved avionics, and enhanced weapon systems, making it a versatile multirole fighter.
Washington has bolstered Lockheed Martin’s position by offering significant financial and military support to Manila. The U.S., a treaty ally of the Philippines, has pledged $500 million in military aid and expanded its military presence in the country through various defense agreements. Amid growing tensions with China, particularly in the disputed South China Sea, the U.S. has actively promoted its defense technologies to bolster the Philippines’ external defense.
Political observers believe that Washington’s strong ties with Manila could give Lockheed Martin a crucial edge in securing the contract. A potential financing deal from the U.S. might further tilt the balance in favor of the F-16V, especially as the Philippines seeks cost-effective yet advanced solutions to its defense needs.
Korea Aerospace Industries: KF-21 Boramae
Another significant player in the competition is Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), which has proposed its KF-21 ‘Boramae’ fighter jet to the Philippines. The KF-21 is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter designed to provide robust performance at a lower cost than many of its Western counterparts. Though it only recently entered mass production, the aircraft is already being considered on par with other cutting-edge jets on the market.
Reports indicate that KAI has offered a package deal to the Philippines, which could include 10 KF-21 Boramae jets and possibly 12 FA-50 Block 20 light combat aircraft. The FA-50 is already a staple of the PAF’s fleet, with the Philippines having procured several units in previous deals. However, PAF officials have noted that the current number of FA-50s is insufficient to meet the country’s defense needs, particularly given the increasing regional threats.
The inclusion of FA-50 Block 20s in the package could further sweeten the deal for the Philippines, which has emphasized the importance of a cost-effective yet powerful fighter force. However, these reports remain unconfirmed, and KAI has not provided any official comment on the matter.
Turkish Aerospace: Hürjet and KAAN
Turkish Aerospace (TA) also entered the fray, showcasing its indigenously developed Hürjet light attack/trainer aircraft. Although the Hürjet did not succeed in Malaysia’s light fighter jet competition (losing to the FA-50), it remains a promising option for the Philippines, especially as TA has strengthened defense ties with Manila through the sale of Atak helicopters.
TA also promoted its fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet, still in the testing phase, though it is unclear whether this aircraft will be pitched for the Philippine contract. Turkish officials have expressed growing international interest in both the Hürjet and KAAN, suggesting that Turkey may aim to position itself as a key defense partner in Asia.
Eurofighter and Dassault: European Heavyweights
While Saab and Lockheed Martin have dominated much of the discussion, European defense firms Leonardo (Eurofighter) and Dassault (Rafale) remain in the running. At ADAS-2024, Leonardo promoted its Eurofighter Typhoon, a multirole, supersonic fighter jet with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. The Eurofighter consortium, comprising Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, has conducted studies projecting potential sales in the hundreds for the Typhoon.
Though no official offer has been made public, media reports indicate that the Eurofighter Typhoon is under consideration. Meanwhile, France’s Dassault has reportedly pitched its Rafale fighter jet to the PAF. Earlier this year, during the Pegase 24 mission, French Rafale jets landed in the Philippines for the first time, and PAF pilots were given the opportunity to fly the aircraft. There are unconfirmed reports suggesting that Dassault may offer the F4 variant of the Rafale to the Philippines, which would place it among the most advanced fighters in the competition.
Philippines Keeps Its Options Open
Despite the flurry of offers from defense giants, the Philippine government has remained tight-lipped about its final decision. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, when asked about the country’s MRF acquisition plans, declined to name the bidders or disclose which aircraft models were being considered.
“The bidding is a secret process right now, but we are continuing to review tenders that are acceptable,” Teodoro said in an earlier statement.
The potential acquisition of an MRF fleet is a critical part of the Philippines’ strategy to secure its territorial waters in the South China Sea. With ongoing tensions with China over the resource-rich region, the Philippines seeks to boost its military’s capability to project power and protect its sovereignty. As global defense firms vie for the lucrative contract, the final decision could reshape the military balance in Southeast Asia, with far-reaching implications for regional security and alliances.
The Philippines’ upcoming decision to purchase multirole fighter jets reflects its broader defense strategy aimed at countering rising regional threats, particularly from China. With defense companies like Saab, Lockheed Martin, KAI, Turkish Aerospace, and others jostling for position, the ADAS-2024 exhibition has become a showcase of some of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.
As the Philippines carefully weighs its options, the outcome of this procurement could play a decisive role in strengthening its military and positioning itself as a key player in the geopolitics of the Asia-Pacific region. Whether Saab’s Gripen, Lockheed Martin’s F-16V, or one of the other contenders emerges victorious, the acquisition will signal the Philippines’ commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities for the years to come.
