Philippine Air Force Chief seems to be hinting, or at least preferring the JAS-39 Gripen

Philippine Air Force Chief seems to be hinting, or at least preferring the JAS-39 Gripen for their MRF Aircraft Acquisition

The Chief of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura told the Press recently that the Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) Aircraft that they will choose must be able to Land and Operate on Short Runways.

Directly quoting some of what he said, "The Specifications, I need not go to the Details but in Terms of our Selection for MRF, the CADC, our Defense Campaign Plan, our Concept for Defense entails Projection so we need to be able to exhibit credible defense in our EEZ".

He mentioned that having the Capability to land on Short or Small Runways allows quick response and flexibility in deploying these proposed MRFs, and that the MRFs "should cater to more Asymmetric Capabilities".

Here is the Link to the Article at the “Philippine News Agency (PNA)” Website: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1252884

MY THOUGHTS:
From what I can tell, the PAF Chief seems to be hinting at getting, or at least preferring the JAS-39 Gripen Fighter Aircraft for their MRF. All of the important “Catch Phrases” related to the Marketing of the Gripen are there, like “Short Runway Capability” and “Asymmetric Capability”.

To be Fair, other Aircraft like the F-16C Fighting Falcon and F-2 Viper Zero are able to do these also, but not at the same Level as that of the Gripen since those Capabilities are deeply embedded into the Gripen’s Design. Now if they do go out and get the Gripen, I wonder how the United States (US) President Donald Trump will react?

He was clearly hinting for the Philippines to get their F-16C Aircraft, having it approved for Sale even if the Philippines didn’t ask them, reportedly. Trump could in response deny deployment of more of their Missiles here in the Philippines.

I think that the Philippines might hope to calm Trump down if that happens by buying other US-made Weapons Systems like the Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC), the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), and Others also.

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