DND to acquire attack aircraft

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) is planning to acquire a squadron of surface attack aircraft in the next few years to beef up the military’s capability to secure the country’s airspace.

In its planning guidance for 2013 to 2018, DND said enhancing the country’s air assets would address the Philippines’ territorial defense concerns.

Documents obtained by The STAR showed that the DND also wants to acquire air surveillance radars and to develop the military’s air defense system.

“The Program 2 Resource Manager shall gradually develop the capability of air surveillance and interdiction by reactivating the Philippine Air Defense System (PADS) and acquiring air surveillance radars and one squadron of surface attack aircraft,” DND said, referring to military planners. 

A squadron consists of 12 to 24 aircraft units. A surface attack aircraft is capable of interception and maritime patrols.

On the other hand, PADS is a system that identifies the air structure, network, infrastructure, radar or any asset needed to monitor intrusions in the airspace. The limited resources barred the military from maximizing the potential of PADS.