Philippine Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura on Wednesday vowed to further strengthen the country’s air defense capabilities as the service marked its 79th founding anniversary.
Speaking during the anniversary celebration at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Cordura said the Air Force recorded both “major and modest victories” over the past year despite challenges that tested the institution.
“Yet, rather than allow these difficulties to define us, we choose to learn from them and move forward together,” Cordura said.
“We cannot afford to be stymied by adversity, for the centrality of air power in safeguarding national security, contributing to nation-building, and meeting the expectations of the Filipino people has never been more significant,” he added.
Cordura said the Air Force has worked harder to remain relevant in an increasingly complex security environment, particularly as the country strengthens its territorial defense posture.
He said the PAF has shown “what it can do with what it has” through joint air control operations, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, close air support, and battlefield air interdiction.
These operations, he said, helped strengthen national defense, support joint force objectives, and protect the interests of the Filipino people.
Cordura also cited the recent and planned acquisition of aircraft and other equipment, saying these are gradually improving the Air Force’s ability to monitor, respond, and operate across longer distances and more demanding environments.
He also pointed to ongoing efforts to develop strategic basing facilities on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea and in Santa Ana, Cagayan.
Once completed, Cordura said the facilities would improve operational endurance, expand the Air Force’s strategic reach, and reinforce its contribution to the country’s overall defense posture.
“Looking forward, we aim to become a more effective force provider to the joint force and relevant in combined operations,” Cordura said.
He said the PAF will continue to focus on operational preparedness, accelerate force modernization, and deepen cooperation with allies and partners.
Cordura said the Air Force will also explore emerging defense technologies, strengthen air and maritime domain awareness, enhance deterrence and area denial capabilities, invest in strategic basing and infrastructure, and support the professional growth and well-being of its personnel.
“In doing so, we will build a more integrated, resilient, and multi-domain Air Force capable of fulfilling our roles under the AFP’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept and meeting the evolving requirements of the nation’s defense and security environment,” Cordura said.