Philippine Air Force

Philippine Air Force
Hukbóng Himpapawid ng Pilipinas
Seal of the Philippine Air Force
Active July 1, 1947 – present
(67 years, 9 months)
Country  Philippines
Type Air force
Part of Armed Forces of the Philippines
Headquarters Villamor Air Base
Nickname PAF
March Philippine Air Force Hymn
Engagements World War II, OEF – Philippines, Communist insurgencies, Moro insurgencies, Zamboanga City crisis
Website www.paf.mil.ph
Commanders
Commanding General Lt Gen Jeffrey F. Delgado
Insignia
Roundel
Low Visibility Roundel
Aircraft flown
Attack AS-211, SF-260TP/MP, OV-10A/C/M
Fighter FA-50
Helicopter Bell 412EP, Bell Huey II, UH-1H, W-3A, S-70 Blackhawk, MD520MG, S-76A/AUH-76, Bell-205A
Patrol F27-200MAR
Reconnaissance Aero Commander 690
Trainer SF-260FH, T-41B/D
Transport IPTN NC-212 Aviocar, C-130B/H, F-27500F/F27-200, F-28-3000, N-22B, C-295

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) (Tagalog: Hukbóng Himpapawid ng Pilipinas) is the aerial warfare service branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Initially a part of the Philippine Army, PAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on July 1, 1947 under Executive Order No. 94.[1]

History

Nichols Field, which is now known as Villamor Airbase that was situated within the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Early years to recent

The forerunners of the Philippine Air Force were the Philippine Militia, otherwise known as Philippine National Guard (PNG). Senate President Manuel L. Quezon enacted a bill on March 17, 1917 for the creation of the Philippine Militia, the bill was known as Militia Act 2715. It was enacted in anticipation that there would be an outbreak of hostilities between United States and Germany.[2]

By the end of the First World War, the US Army and Navy began selling aircraft and equipment to the Philippine Militia Commission. The Commission then hired the services of the Curtiss School of Aviation to provide flight training to 33 students at a local base in Parañaque.

PAF P-51 Mustang
PAF P-51 Mustang
F-86D of the Philippine Air Force

The early aviation unit was however, still lacking knowledge and equipment to be considered as an air force and was then limited only to air transport duties.[2] On January 2, 1935,Philippine Military Aviation was activated when the 10th Congress passed Commonwealth Act 1494 that provided for the organization of the Philippine Constabulary Air Corps (PCAC). PCAC was renamed as the Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) in 1936. It started with only three planes on its inventory. On 1941, PAAC has a total of 54 aircraft ranging from pursuit (fighters) light bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, light transport and trainers.[2] They later engaged the Japanese on their invasion of the Philippines in 1941-42, and was reformed in 1945 after the country's liberation.

The PAF became a separate military service on July 1, 1947, when President Manuel Roxas issued Executive Order No. 94. This order created the Philippine Naval Patrol and the Air Force as equal branches of the Philippine Army and the Philippine Constabulary under the now Armed Forces of the Philippines[3] becoming Southeast Asia's third air force as a result.

The main aircraft type in the earlier era of the PAF was the P-51 Mustang, flown from 1947 to 1959. Ground attack missions were flown against various insurgent groups, with aircraft hit by ground fire but none shot down. In the 1950s the Mustang was used by the Blue Diamonds aerobatic display team.[4] These would be replaced by the jet-powered North American F-86 Sabres in the late 1950s, assisted by Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star and Beechcraft T-34 Mentor trainers.

The PAF saw its first international action in the Congo under the UN peacekeeping mission in 1960.

Current status

F-5A of the Philippine Air Force
An S-211 from the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron Squadron of the Philippine Air Force
A Vought F-8H Crusader (ex U.S. Navy BuNo 148649) of the Philippine Air Force in flight.
South Korean FA-50 Fighting Eagle, delivery set from 2015-2017

Since the retirement of the Northrop F-5A and B's in September 2005 without a planned replacement, the Philippine air force was left without a fighter jet to guard its skies.[5] The PAF resorted with the Aermacchi S-211 trainer jets to fill the void left by the F-5's. These S-211's were later upgraded to light attack capability and used for air and sea patrol and also performing COIN operations against insurgents from time to time.[6] The only active fixed wing aircraft's to fill the roles where the SF-260's trainer with light attack capability, the OV-10 Bronco light attack and reconnaisance aircraft and the AS-211 warriors(upgraded S-211). However with the acquisition of 12 new South Korean FA-50 light multi-role fighter-trainer supersonic jets due to arrive from 2015 to 2017, aims to boost and bring the PAF back into a better capability with future plans of acquiring multi-role fighters by 2018.[7][8]

With the new acquisition of the C-295M, one commissioned on 30 March, 2015, a total of 3 C-295M's are to be delivered between 2015 and 2016, which boosts the PAF's transport capability with additional 2 C-130T's being acquired through the US foreign military sales program.[9] The PAF currently has 3 active C-130's which was heavily used during the 2013 Typhoon Yolanda crisis.

In December 2014, the PAF received 2 of the 8 AW-109E power attack version helicopters from Agusta Westland which is still being tested prior to commissioning. These additional helicopters aims to boost its helicopter strike wing currently filled by the MD-520's. The MD-520's has been used to conduct operations against terrorist groups in Mindanao.[10] Some additional 21 refurbished UH-1 Huey's are due to arrive along with the NC-212 Aviocar acquired the same date as the CASA C-295M. On March 2015 the DND announced the upgrading of an old radar station to improve its air defense monitoring capability. [11]

Commanding generals

The following are the list of Commanding Generals of the PAF:[12]

Modernization programs

Main article: AFP Modernization Act

Over 15 years after the 1995 passage of the Armed Forces Philippines (AFP) Moderation Program (Republic Act 7898),[13] the Philippine Air Force remains in dire need of modernization. The current incarnation of the AFP modernization program is the Capability Upgrade Program (CUP)[14] which defers PAF-related modernization efforts to the second and third phases of a three-phase program. Much to the consternation of PAF observers and personnel, the first phase, dubbed "Back to Basics" focuses on improving the AFP's ability to conduct Internal Security Operations (ISO). What little funding the PAF receives in this phase revolve around the PAF's role in supporting ground operations.

More advanced aircraft are expected in Phases 2 and 3 of the CUP, which is when genuine modernization is expected to start. PAF-related components of these phases are grouped into what it calls "Horizon programs", with Horizon 2 expected to begin in the 2010 to 2012 time frame.[15]

Assets acquired during the modernization program are: 8 PZL W-3 Sokół, and 18 SF-260F.[16]

Combat aircraft

Multi-role fighters

U.S. F-16 one of the next gen multi-role fighters the PAF is considering

There were several occasions that the PAF tried to modernize its fighter aircraft force, which was left to decline for several decades.

In 1991 the newly democratic Russian government offered the PAF several of its aircraft including the Mikoyan MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-27 during a demonstration held at Villamor Air Base. In 1992 the PAF received offers for both the IAI Kfir and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.[17]

After the enactment of the 1995 AFP Modernization Act, the PAF made renewed calls to purchase several fighter aircraft, with the initial plan of having 36 multirole fighters in a span of 15 years.[13] Offers included the American Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Falcon and McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-18C/D Hornet, French Dassault Mirage 2000-5, and the Russian Mikoyan MiG-29. Also offered as alternatives were the embargoed Pakistani F-16A/Bs and ex-French Air Force Mirage F1, and ex-South African Air Force Denel Cheetahs which were rejected as the government was then inclined on obtaining new-build platforms.[18] However, these modernization programs were put on hold after the Philippines' economy was impacted by the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

Renewed interest would later come on used platforms. In June 2010, the Department of National Defense (DND) was also looking at Canada for used CF-18s or France for its used Mirage F1s, although no decision or purchase came up.[14]

On December 2011, the DND and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was tasked to formally request at least a squadron of 12 ex-USAF F-16C/D fighter jets, most probably Block 25 or 30 which would be refurbished to either Block 50 or 52 standards.[19] This was discussed during the US-Philippines "2+2" Meeting on 30 April 2012. The Philippine government will be paying for refurbishing, maintenance and pilot training which will run for two years.[20]

However by 2012 the maintenance costs for the used fighters were found to be too high so attention turned to new jet trainers that could be converted into jet fighters. The requirements were listed as "supersonic ability, multifunction displays and On Board Oxygen Generation System."[21] A DND spokesman has said that aircraft from France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and South Korea were considered.[22]

It was reported that the DND will be acquiring multirole fighters by 2018.[23]

Surface attack aircraft/Lead-in fighter trainer

KAI TA-50 LIFT/Light attack for SAA/LIFT program, the FA-50 light fighter/trainer was finally chosen

In May 2010, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena announced that the PAF was ordered to submit generic types of advanced jet trainers that will replace the S-211.[24] According to Gen. Rabena, they are choosing models from Europe and Asia, and following evaluation, the Department of National Defense will open bidding for the purchase of such aircraft.[24]

On March 2012, the AMX fighter was one of the items inspected by a DND delegation Italy possible procurement of used AMX aircraft, although no official information has been released if purchases will be made on the said aircraft.[25]

A requirement for at least six (6) new Lead-in Fighter Trainers (LIFT) that will also fill in the Surface Attack Aircraft (SAA) role was announced by the PAF and DND in 2011. But this was revised to twelve (12) units during announcements by the DND and PAF in 2012. The offers made to the PAF and DND were the following:

On June 19, 2012, it was reported that the Department of National Defense (DND) selected the supersonic TA-50 Golden Eagle from South Korea to augment the need of the Philippine Air Force for advanced trainers which can also be converted as fighter jets. The Philippines intends to acquire 12 units at PhP 1.25 billion (USD 29.4 million) each.[32][33]

And in July 2012, state media reported that the selection had been narrowed down to the TA-50, M-346, Yak-130 or the BAE Hawk.[34]

On Jan. 30, 2013, it has been confirmed by Philippine government that the FA-50 Fighting Eagle light fighter trainer has been selected for acquisition for 18.9 billion pesos ($309 million).[35] 12 units are to be purchased.[36] As of April 23, 2013, the Department of National Defense (DND) is in the last stages of procuring the FA-50.[37][38]

On Feb. 21, 2014, it was announced that the Philippines and South Korea completed the negotiations for the acquisition of 12 lead-in fighter trainer jets from South Korea. The Department of National Defense Special Bids and Awards Committee approved the offer of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in a meeting that was held in Camp Aguinaldo.[39]

On Mar. 28, 2014, it was announced by the state arms procurement agency of South Korea that South Korea signed a US$420 million contract Friday to export 12 FA-50 fighter jets built by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to the Philippines under a government-to-government deal.[40]

Close air support aircraft

PAF OV-10 Broncos parked at PAF detachment, Lumbia Airport

The Philippine Air Force is looking to replace entire OV-10 Bronco fleet which are currently used for close air support and aerial reconnaissance platforms. Being considered are the Hawker Beechcraft AT-6B Texan II, Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano, KAI KA-1 Woongbi, Elbit Systems L-159, and reportedly, the Air Tractor AT-802U.[41] A decision from the PAF & DND was expected to be released by July 2012, but was moved to the fourth quarter of 2014 due to bureaucratic constraints.

Hawker Beechcraft demonstrated their AT-6B Texan II, together with their other aircraft line, in April 2012 with a display at Clark Air Base.[42]

On 20 June 2012, it was reported that the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano from Brazil is a possible contender for its aircraft for a total of 6 units, which will be acquired for PhP4.968 billion (USD 115 million).[43]

Helicopters

The PAF MD-520MG displayed at the Mall of Asia.
A UH-1N helicopter, with Philippine Army officers aboard, prepares to land.

The Department of National Defense, on behalf of the PAF, is currently pursuing the following acquisition projects: eight (8) Combat Utility Helicopters (CUH),[44] 8 attack helicopters (AH)[45] and 21 additional UH-1H helicopters.[46][47]

Combat Utility Helicopters

Bell 412

On Mar. 17, 2014, it was reported that there are plans to procure an additional eight combat utility helicopters.[48] It was later reported that these helicopters are Bell 412s that will be acquired from Canada. Three of these helicopters will be configured as VIP transports while the remaining five will be used to replace aging Bell 412 helicopters acquired during the Ramos administration.[49] The helicopters will be acquired from the Canadian Commercial Corporation through a government-to-government transaction.[50] It was also reported that the contract will be signed on Mar. 28, 2014.[50]

Armed scout helicopter (Attack Helicopter)

An older acquisition project, the Night Capable Attack Helicopter (NCAH), was abandoned due to procedural irregularities. The Office of the Ombudsman is currently investigating this project.[51]

Engines of 20 MD-520 attack helicopters are currently being overhauled. The PAF elected to pursue this project via FMS.[52]

On 20 June 2012, it was reported that the Eurocopter AS550 Fennec armed helicopters from France was chosen and a total of 10 units will be acquired for PhP 3.4 billion (USD 79 million).[43] But it was reported that the helicopters being offered by Eurocopter are no longer available.[53]

On July 26, 2013 It was reported that AgustaWestland was the only bidder for the Php 3.4 billion Attack helicopter acquisition project, Boeing, MD Helicopters and Eurocopter backed out due to unknown reasons.[54]

On Oct. 28, 2013 it was announced that a notice of award was issued to AgustaWestland. The company offered the AW109 Power.[55]

On Nov. 6, 2013 it was announced by AgustaWestland that the PAF has signed a contract for 8 AW109 Power helicopters and the deliveries will start at 2014.[56][57]

Additional UH-1

Five (5) refurbished UH-1H helicopters from the United States government were handed-over to the PAF on 10 January 2011.[58]

On 20 June 2012, it was reported that an additional 21 units of used UH-1D Huey utility helicopters from an unspecified country will be acquired for PhP1.2 billion (US$27.9 million).[43] The helicopters will come from the United States and are expected to be delivered by December 2012.[59] But it was reported the bidding failed because the two firms that submitted offers had failed to meet certain eligibility requirements.[60]

After 3 failed biddings, DND has proceed with the negotiated bidding with the joint venture of Rice Aircraft Service Inc. and Eagle Copters, and finally awarded them the project on December 28, 2013 for a negotiated amount of Php1.26 billion for 21 refurbished UH-1 helicopters. The first batch of the helicopters were expected to arrive within six months after the awarding.[46]

On April 2015, the DND officially terminated the contract for the remaining undelivered UH-1's from Rice Aircraft Service Inc. and Eagle copters, due to failure to comply with the delivery schedule which was due on September 23, 2014. [61] Out of 21 only 7 where delivered and were in good flying condition that went under strict evaluation and testing. On 29 April, 2015 Janes reported that Rice Aircraft intends to overturn the DND's decision to partially cancel the contract for the remaining UH-1 Huey's.[62]

Transport aircraft

Used C-130

Servicemen unload a Philippine C-130 bringing relief supplies to Panay Island
Philippine Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules (L-382)

With a shortage of transport aircraft, the Philippine Air Force announced in February 2010 its intention to purchase a refurbished C-130H and three smaller transport aircraft to augment its fleet,[63][64] and an invitation to bid was released with DERCO Aerospace declared as the only bidder with an ex-Tunisian Air Force C-130H.[64] This might eventually replace the N-22B Nomad transport planes currently in service.[65] But by June 2011, the DND declared a failure of bidding and instead are now looking for EDA from friendly countries.

In December 2011, President Noynoy Aquino promised to buy at least two more C-130 cargo aircraft by 2012.[66][67][68] On July 24, 2014, the government ordered two additional refurbished C-130T aircraft, along with 10 Allison T56 turbopop engines from the United States through DSCA.[69] These two C-130T aircraft will be delivered to the country next year. The government are now exploring plans to purchase C-130 aircraft from Australia.[70]

Refurbishing of C-130

Two Philippine Air Force C-130 underwent a Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM), one C-130H t/n 4704 with British Aerospace in California, United States while the other, a C-130B, is with PAF's 410th Maintenance Wing at Clark Air Base.[67][71] The C-130H arrived in Manila on 17 October 2012,[72] while the C-130B with t/n 3633 returned to active status on 28 December 2012. Another C-130 is expected to go through a similar recovery and overhaul program by the 410th Maintenance Wing.[73]

Medium lift aircraft

On 20 June 2012, it was reported that the Alenia C-27J Spartan medium lift transport aircraft was chosen and a total of 3 units will be acquired for PhP5.9 billion (USD 137 million).[43] However on February 28, 2014, DND has chosen and ordered Airbus C-295 aircraft as its medium-lift aircraft for three units.[74]

Light lift aircraft

On 20 June 2012, it was reported that the IPTN NC-212 Aviocar light lift transport aircraft from Indonesia was chosen and a total of 2 units will be acquired for PhP 814 million (USD 18.9 million).[43]

On September 26, 2013 the DND declared PT Dirgantara Indonesia/Indonesian Aerospace (PT DI/IAe) as the only qualified bidder. They are offering the Series 200, Series 300 and the Series 400 versions of the IPTN NC-212 Aviocar.[75] The version to be delivered is the NC212i, the new generation of aircraft types NC212-200 or NC212-400.[76] A notice of award was issued by the DND to PT DI in January 2014 after clearing the post-bid qualification requirements, and PT DI is required to deliver the aircraft within 548 calendar days from the opening of the letter of credit.[77]

Search and Rescue aircraft

Seaplanes

On November 2013, the DND released an invitation to bid for the acquisition of 3 brand new Search and Rescue seaplanes with an Integrated Logistics package (ILS). The DND has allotted 2.67 billion pesos for this project. The pre-bid conference was scheduled at November 15, 2013 while the actual bidding was scheduled at November 29, 2013. The seaplanes being offered should be used by the Armed Forces of the country of origin or by the Armed Forces of at least 2 other countries.[78]

Long-Range Patrol Aircraft

On 1 July 2014, President Benigno Aquino III announced plans to acquire 2 long range patrol aircraft.[79] A budget of P5.976 million has been allotted under the revised Armed Forces modernization program.[80] Companies reported to have bought bid documents include Alenia Aermacchi, Airbus Military and Elta System Ltd..

Aircraft inventory

Below are the various aircraft of the Air Force.

Aircraft Photo Origin Type Versions Active Orders Notes
Fixed-wing aircraft
FA-50 Fighting Eagle  South Korea multirole Light Fighter / Lead-in fighter trainer T-50PH - 12 Contract signed on March 28, 2014.[81] The first two FA-50s are planned to be delivered 18 months after signing of the contract. Deliveries are to finish in 2017. [7]
SIAI Marchetti S-211  Italy Light attack aircraft / Basic jet trainer AS-211 5[82][83] - Locally upgraded to AS-211 "Warrior" standard to do air-to-ground missions. 7 more airframes stored, waiting for reactivation.[84]
Rockwell International OV-10 Bronco  United States Light attack aircraft / Surveillance aircraft OV-10A
OV-10C
OV-10M (SLEP)		 10[82][85] - Some OV-10A were upgraded to OV-10M (SLEP) with four-bladed propellers by Marsh Aviation.[86] Five OV-10C provided by Thailand in 2003-2004, more may follow.[87] Upgraded to deliver Paveway LGB.
Alenia Aermacchi SF-260  Italy Light attack aircraft
Primary trainer 		SF-260TP/MP
SF-260FH 		20[82]
17 		- 20 older "MP" & "TP" models & 18 new units SF-260F (designated "FH") as of 2012.[88] Some "M" and "TP" models configured for light attack. 1 "FH" model crashed on 31 Jan 2015.[89]
Lockheed C-130 Hercules  United States Heavy tactical transport C-130B
C-130H
C-130T 		1[82]
2[82]
- 		-
-
2 		H model t/n 4726 & 4704, and B model t/n 3633.[90] 6 more C-130B & L-100-20 stored[91] Two orders of C-130Ts will be delivered in 2016.[70]
Fokker F27 Friendship  Netherlands VIP transport
Maritime patrol aircraft
Medium tactical transport 		F27-200
F27-200MAR
F27-500F 		1
1
1 		- F27-200 t/n 59-0259 (c/n 10115),[92] F27-200MAR c/n 10620,[93] F27-500F c/n 10669[94]
Fokker F28 Fellowship  Netherlands VIP Transport F28-3000 1 - VIP transport t/n 1250[95]
EADS CASA C-295  Spain Medium transport aircraft C-295M 1[96][97] 2 Contract signed on February 28, 2014.[74] 1 aircraft commissioned on March 30, 2015[98]
GAF N-22 Nomad  Australia Light transport aircraft N-22B 3[99] - t/n C-87 and 2 more.
Airbus Military/IAe NC-212 Aviocar  Indonesia Light transport aircraft NC-212i - 2 2 on order, expected delivery by mid-2015.
Rockwell International Turbo Commander  United States Surveillance aircraft Aero Commander 690 1[82] -
Cessna T-41 Mescalero  United States Primary pilot trainer T-41B
T-41D 		15
14 		- Fourteen T-41D, plus fifteen T-41B from South Korea added 2009[100]
Cessna 210 Centurion  United States Light utility aircraft LC-210 1 - t/n 227, rain-making aircraft[90]
Helicopters
AgustaWestland AW109  Italy Armed scout helicopter AW109 Power - 8 8 armed variants on order.[101] 2 arrived on December 2014 awaiting assembly and commissioning.[102]
PZL W-3 Sokół  Poland SAR / Utility helicopter W-3A 7[103] - Operated by the 505th Search and Rescue Group.[104] 8 acquired, one crashed in 2014 and is currently undergoing repairs.
Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk  United States VIP transport S-70A-5 1 - 2 delivered in 1984 but 1 crashed & written-off.
McDonnell Douglas MD-500 Defender  United States Scout / Light Attack Helicopter MD-520MG 25[82] -
Sikorsky S-76  United States Combat SAR helicopter & Air ambulance S-76A/AUH-76A 10[82] - The PAF originally received 17 aircraft.
Bell UH-1 Iroquois  United States Combat utility helicopter UH-1H
UH-1HP Huey II 		46
2		 - More non-working units stored either waiting for reactivation or cannibalized as spares. PAF acquired license and was able to upgrade 2 units into Huey IIs in 2005. 46 units were counted to have been received by the PAF since the year 2000.[105]
Dornier-Bell UH-1 Iroquois  Germany Combat utility helicopter UH-1D 7 Only 7 delivered,[106] [107] Contract Terminated[61]
Bell 205  United States Search and Rescue helicopter 205A 8[82] -
Bell 412  United States VIP transport 412EP
412HP[108] 		3
2[109] 		8[110]
- 		Unconfirmed if leased,[111] or owned by PAF. Operated by the Presidential Airlift Wing. 2 Bell 412HP delivered March 1994 (t/n RP-1998 & -2000), 4 Bell 412EP delivered on July 1996 (t/n RP-1896, -1898, -1946, and -1986). 412EP with T/n RP-1946 crashed in 2009.[112]

Former aircraft

As Philippine Army Air Corps

Organization in 2006

15th Strike Wing[113] HQ, Maj. Danillo S. Atienza AB, Sangley Point, Cavite)
16th Attack Squadron (Eagles)[114] OV-10A/C/A SLEP
17th Attack Squadron (Jaguars)[115] SF.260TP
18th Attack Squadron (Falcons)[116] MD-520MG
20th Attack Squadron (Firebirds)[117] MD-520MG
25th Attack Squadron (Lobos)[118] OV-10A/C/A SLEP; SF.260TP; MD-520MG
Air Defense Wing Basa AB, Pampanga
7th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Bulldogs) S-211
205th Tactical Helicopter Wing HQ, Benito Ebuen AB, Mactan Island, Cebu
206th Tactical Helicopter Squadron (Hornets) UH-1H
207th Tactical Helicopter Squadron (Stingers) UH-1H
208th Tactical Helicopter Squadron (Daggers) UH-1H
220th Airlift Wing HQ, Benito Ebuen AB, Mactan Island, Cebu
221st Tactical Airlift Squadron (Fokkers) Fokker F-27
222nd Tactical Airlift Squadron (Hercules) C-130B/H
223rd Tactical Airlift Squadron (Nomads) N-22B/C Nomad
Air Education and Training Command Basilio Fernando AB, Lipa
101st Primary Flying Training Sqn (Wildcat) T-41D/Cessna 172-k
102nd Basic Flying Training Sqn (Cougar) SF.260MP
505th Search and Rescue Group (Angels) HQ, Col. Jesus A. Villamor AB, Pasay City, Metro Manila
5051st Search and Rescue Squadron Huey II, Bell 205, S-76, UH-1H, W-3A
5052nd Search and Rescue Squadron Huey II, Bell 205, S-76, UH-1H, W3-A
5053rd Search and Rescue Squadron Huey II, Bell 205, S-76, UH-1H, W3-A
5056th Search and Rescue Squadron Huey II, Bell 205, S-76, UH-1H, W3-A
250th Presidential Airlift Wing (Code one) Col. Jesus A. Villamor AB, Pasay City, Metro Manila
251st Presidential Airlift Squadron Fokker F28
252nd Presidential Helicopter Squadron S-76, S-70A, Bell 212, Bell 412
900th Weather Support Group Col. Jesus A. Villamor AB, Pasay City, Metro Manila
901st Weather Squadron Cessna T-210TG

Bases

The Philippine Air Force has twelve bases located throughout the archipelago.

Luzon

An aerial photo of the Clark Airbase in Pampanga
An aerial photo of the Wallace Air Station

There are seven airbases in Luzon. The headquarters, the Villamor Airbase, is located at Pasay. It is also the home of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing. Two bases lies at the province of Pampanga, the Clark Airbase and the Basa Airbase. The Clark Airbase at Clark International Airport (Clark Freeport Zone) in Angeles is the home of the Air Logistics Command and the 710th Special Operations Wing. Meanwhile, the Basa Airbase in Floridablanca is the home of the Air Defense Wing.

Another base located within Luzon is the Fernando Airbase in Lipa, Batangas. It is the home of the Air Education and Training Command and the Air Force Research and Development Center.

Other bases in Luzon includes the Danilo Atienza Airbase in Cavite City which is the home to the 15th Strike Wing, the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan which is the home of the 570th Compostie Tactical Wing, the Wallace Air Station in San Fernando which is the home of the 580th Control And Warning Wing,

Visayas

The Visayan Islands has one airbase, the Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan and is the home of the 220th Airlift Wing.

Mindanao

Four airbases are situated in Mindanao, namely the Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga (home of the 530th Composite Tactical Wing), Rajah Buayan Air Base in General Santos, an airbase at Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro and the TOG Sanga-Sanga in Tawi-Tawi.

Aerobatic Team

The Philippine had a number of Aerobatic team during the 70's.

See also

References

Notes
  1. ↑ "Executive Order No. 94, s. 1947". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. October 4, 1947. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "History". Philippine Air Force. Retrieved July 21, 2012.
  3. ↑ "PAF History". paf.mil.ph. Philippine Air Force. Retrieved 2012-06-24.
  4. ↑ Hellstroem, Leif. Philippine Front Line: P-51 Mustangs with the Philippine Air Force Air Enthusiast #75 May–June 1998 pp52-61
  5. ↑ http://www.philstar.com/philstar/news200509299901.htm
  6. ↑ John Pike. "SIAI-Marchetti AS-211 Warrior". globalsecurity.org.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Deal to buy 12 fighters jets from South Korea reached". inquirer.net.
  8. ↑ "PHL to get MRF by 2018". balita.ph.
  9. ↑ http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/02/27/14/spanish-firm-wins-bidding-supply-fixed-wing-aircraft
  10. ↑ http://ptvnews.ph/bottom-news-life2/11-11-nation-submenu/43191-25-killed-in-renewed-maguindanao-clashes
  11. ↑ "PH to upgrade old air station with air defense radar". Rappler.
  12. ↑ "Chiefs of PAF from present to past". paf.mil.ph. Philippine Air Force. Retrieved 2012-06-24.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Republic Act 7898: AFP Modernization Act" (PDF). Congress, Republic of the Philippines. 1995-02-23. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Philippine Defense Reform". Department of National Defense. 2005-01-19. Archived from the original on 2008-08-22. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
  15. ↑ Joel Guinto (2008-07-15). "AFP aims for 70% capability vs internal threats". Inquirer.net. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
  16. ↑ "First Batch of Philippine Air Force Sokols Enter Service". PZL Swidnik.
  17. ↑ "Modernization Options". Opus224's Unofficial Philippine Defense Page.
  18. ↑ "Manila narrows fighter choice". Flight International. 1996-10-15.
  19. ↑ "Philippines seeks 12 F-16 fighter jets from US". Huffington Post. December 21, 2011. Retrieved 2012-01-18.
  20. ↑ "PAF seeks 12 F-16 fighter jets from US". April 19, 2012.
  21. ↑ "Purchase of new jet fighter eyed." BusinessWorld, 16 May 2012.
  22. ↑ Dudley, Richard. "Philippines Looking to Buy Non-USA Combat Aircraft." Defense Update, 20 May 2012.
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