The government is acquiring more fighter jets for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) following China’s most recent act of harassment, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. has assured the military. Teodoro underscored the need to strengthen the country’s air defense capabilities to address ongoing security concerns, especially in the West Philippine Sea. Speaking before members of the PAF contingent who participated in the Exercise Pitch Black 2024 in Australia last month, Teodoro said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would definitely need more planes.

Punongbayan, M., Lee-Brago, P., & Crisostomo, S. (2024, August 15). 'Gov't acquiring more fighter jets amid WPS air harassment'. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 4.