Philippine Air Force

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Philippine Air Force
Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas
PAF Seal.png
Philippine Air Force Emblem
Founded July 1, 1947 (as an independent service)
Country Republic of the Philippines
Type Air force
Size approximately 17,000
Part of Armed Forces of the Philippines
Headquarters Villamor Air Base, Pasay City
Nickname PAF
Motto The "First Force"
March Air Force Hymn
Engagements World War II
Communist Insurgencies
Commanders
Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force Major General Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz
Insignia
Roundel Roundel of the Philippines Air Force.svg
Low Visibility Roundel Roundel of the Philippines Air Force-Low Visibility.svg
Aircraft flown
Attack OV-10A/C/A SLEP, SF-260TP, MD-520MG
Helicopter S-70A, AUH-76, Huey II, UH-1H, Bell 205, Bell 412
Trainer S-211, SF-260MP, T-41D
Transport UH-1H, C-130B/H, F27-MPA, Nomad, F28, Bell 205, Bell 412

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is the air force of the Republic of the Philippines, and one of the three main services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas.

Contents

History

Main article: Military History of the Philippines

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.[1] The Air Force was preceded by the:

Wars/Conflict

Commanding Generals

The following are the list of Commanding Generals of the PAF:[2]

  • Lt. Gen. Pelagio A. Cruz (9 June 1947 - 27 October 1947 (acting); 3 November 1953 - 31 July 1956)
  • Brig. Gen. Eustacio D. Orobia
  • Brig. Gen. Benito Nicano R. Ebuen
  • Maj. Gen. Pedro Q. Molina
  • Brig. Gen. Jonas A. Victoria
  • Brig. Gen. Agusto L. Jurado
  • Maj. Gen. Victor Dizon
  • Brig. Gen. Jose B. Ramos
  • Brig. Gen. Emmanuel S. Casabar
  • Brig. Gen. Juan B. Guevarra
  • Brig. Gen. Jesus Z. Singson
  • Brig. Gen. Jose L. Rancudo
  • Maj. Gen. Samuel O. Sarmiento
  • Brig. Gen. Petronio M. Lapena
  • Maj. Gen. Vicente M. Piccio, Jr.
  • Maj. Gen. Ramon J. Farolan, Jr.
  • Lt. Gen. Antonio E. Sotelo
  • Maj. Gen. Jose De Leon, Jr.
  • Maj.Gen. Geraldo C. Protacio
  • Lt. Gen. Loven C. Abadia
  • Maj. Gen. Leopoldo Acot
  • Lt. Gen. Nicasio Rodriguez, Jr.
  • Lt. Gen. William K. Hotchkiss III
  • Lt. Gen. Willie Cacdac Florendo
  • Lt. Gen. Benjamin P. Defensor, Jr.
  • Lt. Gen. Nestor R. Santillan
  • Lt. Gen. Jose L. Reyes
  • Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino
  • Lt. Gen. Pedrito Sinco Cadungog
  • Lt. Gen. Oscar H. Rabena
  • Maj. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz[3]

Modernization programs

Over 15 years after the 1995 passage of the Armed Forces Philippines (AFP) Moderation Program (Republic Act 7898),[4] the Philippine Air Force remains in dire need of modernization. The current incarnation of the AFP modernization program is the Capability Upgrade Program (CUP)[5] 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.[6]

Multi-role fighters

In 1992 the PAF received offers for both the IAI Kfir and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.[7] The PAF planned to purchase modern fighter aircraft after the 1995 enactment of the AFP Modernization Act.[4] According to a 1996 article in Flight International magazine, PAF was also offered embargoed Pakistani Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs and new-build F-18C/Ds, and considered the Dassault Mirage 2000, the JF-17 Thunder and the MAPO-MiG MiG-29. The article also reports that earlier offers of secondhand French Dassault Mirage F-1s and Denel Cheetahs from South Africa appeared to have been rejected.[8] However, these modernization programs were put on hold after the Philippines' economy was impacted by the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

As the service focuses on the current Internal Security Operations (ISO) of the AFP, current efforts are concentrated on the acquisition of aircraft for counter-insurgency (COIN) operations, in particular, more helicopter gunships and transport aircraft.

In June 2010, the Department of National Defense (DND) is also looking at Canada or France for the acquisition of fighter jets.[5]

21 December 2011, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario the Philippines will seek a squadron of 12 F-16 fighter jets.[9] Del Rosario said the request for fighters have already been relayed to American officials and their initial response was encouraging.

Helicopters

The Department of National Defense, on behalf of the PAF, is currently pursuing the following acquisition projects: eight (8) Combat Utility Helicopters (CUH),[10] 7 attack helicopters (AH)[11] and 10 additional UH-1H helicopters.[12]

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.[13]

Engines of 20 MD-520 attack helicopters are currently being overhauled. The PAF elected to pursue this project via FMS.[14]

PZL W-3 Sokol

On December 2009, the DND issued a notice of award worth PhP 2.8 billion to PZL Swidnik S.A. of Poland, as the winner of the Combat Utility Helicopter (CUH) program for eight (8) PZL W-3 Sokol helicopters. Delivery is scheduled for 1st quarter of 2011.[15]

Training aircraft

The first aircraft to be acquired for the five-year modernization plan were the Aermacchi S-211. With the retirement of its F-5s in 2005, these trainers assumed the role as principal jet combat aircraft of the Philippine Air Force.

To address a chronic backlog in pilot training, where prospective pilots are temporarily assigned alternative functions because of a lack of training aircraft, the PAF issued requirements for additional T-41 Mescaleros and SF-260 trainers.

Additional T-41s

Fifteen (15) additional second-hand T-41Bs arrived on December 4, 2008 by way of Korea. These were given free, but in disassembled form. These arrived at the 410th Maintenance Wing in Clark AFB, whose personnel completed re-assembly of the aircraft February 12, 2009 – 4 days ahead of schedule. These were inaugurated into service on March 5.[16]

New SF-260

The Aermacchi SF.260 acquisition is also on its way after being delayed due to exchange rate issue with Alenia Aermacchi.[16] Aerotech Industries Philippines, the domestic partner of Alenia Aermacchi, will be delivering the first batch of 4 locally-assembled aircraft to the air force by June 2010. The contract involves 18 new aircraft.[17][18] 8 brand new units have been delivered as of November 2010, with the remaining 10 due by 1st quarter 2011.[citation needed]

Replacement for S-211

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.[19] 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.[19]

Transport aircraft

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. The smaller transport planes will accommodate at least 9 to 12 passengers.[20][17] This might eventually replace the N-22B Nomad transport planes currently in service.[21]

December 2011, President Aquino promised to buy at least two more units of the C-130 Cargo plane for the Philippine Air Force, next year.[22] The are primarily for disaster relief efforts. Funds are available from loans and grants.

Chinese sources

In 2007 the Philippine Air Force sent a delegation to China upon the formal invitation of China Aviation Industry Corp. (CATIC). The five-man team, led by Major General Pedro Ike Insierto, inspected the company's line of utility helicopters and fixed-wing transport aircraft. Lieutenant General Horacio Tolentino, Air Force chief at the time, clarified that the inspection did not signify an intent to purchase the aircraft being offered.[23]

Miscellaneous reports

According to Air Force Public Information officer Major Gerardo M. Zamudio Jr., that aside from the new SF-260 trainer planes and night capable attack helicopters, the PAF is set to purchase under its capability upgrade program, 6 advanced primary trainer aircraft, 10 additional Huey UH-1H utility helicopters, 8 brand new combat utility helicopters, 7 new attack helicopters, 2 light lift aircraft, and 12 trainer helicopters.

These acquisitions and upgrades, including aerial surveillance cameras, communication equipment, 1.2-ton trucks, and additional military hardware, are part of PAF’s Horizon 1, the internal security - centered stage of modernization focused on making insurgent groups irrelevant by the year 2010.

Horizon 2, the transition stage to territorial defense, is set to take effect by 2012.[24] Air Force Chief Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog said the Air Force is presently in the process of making a study of what type of fighter jets they are going to acquire. He said the acquisition can only start after 2010 which is the projected defeat of internal security threats.[25]

Aircraft inventory

As of 2010, the backbone of the PAF inventory consists of:

Aircraft Origin Type Versions Active Notes
Fixed-wing aircraft
Aermacchi S-211  Italy ground support and jet training S-211 13,[26] 6[28] Sources disagree.
North American OV-10 Bronco  United States attack aircraft OV-10A/C/A SLEP 11 Obtained in two batches. First batch from USAF stocks, with a follow-on acquisition from Thailand.[26] Another donation from Thailand will follow.[29]
Aermacchi SF-260TP/MP/WP  Italy attack aircraft and trainer aircraft (MP/WP) SF-260TP/MP/WP 33 (+10)[30] all MP / WP variants was traded-in for the TP procurement during 1991-1993[31] 8 new units received as of Nov. with 10 remaining SF-260E due by April 2011.[32]
Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules  United States medium transport aircraft C-130B/H 2[30] 6 are stored
Fokker F27 Friendship  Netherlands personnel transport F27-MPA 2[26][33] Medium Transport
GAF Nomad  Australia light transport aircraft 12[26] +1 stored[26]
Fokker F28 Fellowship  Netherlands light transport aircraft 1[33] Presidential Aircraft
Cessna T-41 Mescalero  United States training aircraft 29[30] Delivered in the last quarter of 2008, South Korea donated 15 aircraft to the 410th Maintenance Wing unassembled.[16]
Helicopters
Bell Huey II  United States transport helicopter and SAR Helicopter 5[34][35] The PAF acquired a license to perform in-house Huey II upgrades circa 2003[36]
Bell UH-1H  United States transport helicopter UH-1H 100+[37] Not all operational.
Bell 205  United States light transport helicopter 8[26]
Bell 412  United States transport helicopter 3[38] These aircraft are leased, and operated by the Presidential Airlift Wing.[39]
McDonnell Douglas Defender  United States attack helicopter MD-520MG 25[26]
Sikorsky S-70 Blackhawk  United States multirole helicopter S-70A 2[40][41] Presidential Aircraft
Sikorsky S-76 Spirit  United States multirole helicopter AUH-76 11[26] The PAF originally received 17 aircraft

Wherever possible the PAF has relied on local skills for modification projects, as in the recent Huey II program. However only 2 Hueys were modified in that program, which may not be continued.[citation needed]

The Philippine Air Force retired its fleet of Northrop F-5A/B Freedom Fighter with a ceremony on October 1, 2005. The F-5s were used by the PAF's Blue Diamonds aerobatics team,[42] and have appeared in several films and television programs shot in the Philippines.

At one point, the PAF also operated 25 F-8H Crusaders—the most advanced fighter aircraft to see service in the PAF to date. Unlike the comparatively newer F-5As which were day- fighters with ranging radars only, the Crusaders gave the PAF true all-weather interception capability. These have since been retired, and the airframes are now being sold for scrap.[43]

In 1992 the Philippine Air Force received 24 OV-10A Broncos from the USAF-operated Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC) at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, replacing the AT-28D Trojan as the PAF's main air to ground aircraft to complement the MG-520s of the 15th Strike Wing based at Sangley Air Base, Cavite City. These OV-10s have been credited with numerous air strikes against the MILF, MNLF, Abu Sayaff, and NPA rebel forces, with zero losses during these sorties. Most PAF OV-10 losses have been due to pilot error, technical and mechanical issues, with aircrew losses mostly coming from the second batch of OV-10s delivered. Almost all of the original PAF OV-10 pilots are either on administrative duty or have left the PAF for civilian jobs.

From January to July 2010, there were 4 accidents and incidents with 11 fatalities:

  1. On 4 January 2010, OV-10A Bronco COIN aircraft tail number "647" crash-landed, no fatalities[44]
  2. On 27 January 2010, N22 Nomad Military Transport Aircraft tail number "18" crashed, with 9 fatalities including an Air Force General.[45][46]
  3. On 24 February 2010, OV-10C Bronco COIN aircraft tail number "399" crashed, with 2 fatalities.[47]
  4. On 19 July 2010, S-211 jet trainer aircraft tail number "024" crashed, with no fatalities.[48]

Former (major) aircraft

Aircraft Origin Type Versions Received Notes
Northrop F-5  United States fighter/bomber F-5A
F-5B		 37[49] Retired. The 10 remaining F-5s, out of a total of 37 acquired by the Philippine government from 1967 to 1998, were decommissioned in a ceremony in September 2005[49]
Vought F-8 Crusader  United States air superiority fighter/Interceptor 27 Placed in open storage 1988-01-23 at Basa Air Base. They suffered irreparable damage from Mt. Pinatubo's eruption on 1991-06-15.[50]
North American F-86 Sabre  United States fighter/bomber F-86F
F-86D		 50 Replaced by the Northrop F-5A
North American P-51 Mustang  United States fighter/bomber 100+ PAF's 1950s Fighter
North American T-28 Trojan  United States light strike aircraft 70 Replaced by OV-10 Bronco
Beechcraft T-34 Mentor  United States trainer aircraft 70 Replaced by the SF-260
Douglas C-47 Skytrain  United States transport aircraft  ? Replaced by the C-130
Grumman HU-16 Albatross  United States transport aircraft  ?
P-26 Peashooter  United States fighter plane 31 Destroyed during World War II
Bell 212  United States utility helicopter 1 A presidential aircraft that crashed in Benguet Province.
Aerospatiale Puma  France presidential helicopter SA-330J 2

Organization in 2006

15th Strike Wing[51] HQ, Maj. Danillo S. Atienza AB, Sangley Point, Cavite)
16th Attack Squadron (Eagles)[52] OV-10A/C/A SLEP
17th Attack Squadron (Jaguars)[53] SF.260TP
18th Attack Squadron (Falcons)[54] MD-520MG
20th Attack Squadron (Firebirds)[55] MD-520MG
25th Attack Squadron (Lobos)[56] 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
5052nd Search and Rescue Squadron Huey II, Bell 205, S-76, UH-1H
5053rd Search and Rescue Squadron Huey II, Bell 205, S-76, UH-1H
5056th Search and Rescue Squadron Huey II, Bell 205, S-76, UH-1H
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

Air bases/Air Stations

The Philippine Air Force has nine air bases located throughout the Philippine archipelago:

See also

References

Notes
  1. ^ Philippine Air Force History[dead link]
  2. ^ Commanding Generals of the PAF[dead link]
  3. ^ ""PAF has new chief"". The Philippine Star. 2012-01-10. http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=766590&publicationSubCategoryId=200. Retrieved 2012-01-31. 
  4. ^ a b "Republic Act 7898: AFP Modernization Act". Congress, Republic of the Philippines. 1995-02-23. http://www.gppb.gov.ph/laws_rules/laws/RA_7898.pdf. Retrieved 2009-04-08. 
  5. ^ a b "Philippine Defense Reform". Department of National Defense. 2005-01-19. Archived from the original on 2008-08-22. http://web.archive.org/web/20080822093649/http://www.dnd.gov.ph/DNDWEBPAGE_files/PDR-NEW/09-aug-07.htm. Retrieved 2009-04-08. 
  6. ^ Joel Guinto (2008-07-15). "AFP aims for 70% capability vs internal threats". Inquirer.net. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080715-148614/AFP-aims-for-70-capability-vs-internal-threats. Retrieved 2009-04-08. 
  7. ^ "Modernization Options". Opus224's Unofficial Philippine Defense Page. http://www.timawa.net/modernization-paf.htm. 
  8. ^ "Manila narrows fighter choice". Flight International. 1996-10-15. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/1996/07/10/12414/manila-narrows-fighter-choice.html. 
  9. ^ "Philippines seeks 12 F-16 fighter jets from US". Huffington Post. December 21, 2011. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20111221/as-philippines-us/. Retrieved 2012-01-18. 
  10. ^ "Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid (IAEB): Combat Utility Helicopter Acquisition Project". Department of National Defense. 2008-07-14. http://www.dnd.gov.ph/DNDWEBPAGE_files/dndbac/acafp/iab4.pdf. Retrieved 2009-04-08. [dead link]
  11. ^ "Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid (IAEB): Attack Helicopter Acquisition Project". Department of National Defense. 2008-10-15. http://www.dnd.gov.ph/DNDWEBPAGE_files/dndbac/ITB/OCT-08/Attack%20Helicopter.pdf. Retrieved 2009-04-08. [dead link]
  12. ^ "Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid (IAEB): UH-1H Materiel Acquisition Project". Department of National Defense. 2008-04-07. http://www.dnd.gov.ph/DNDWEBPAGE_files/dndbac/acafp/iab2.pdf. Retrieved 2009-04-08. [dead link]
  13. ^ "P1.2B night attack chopper deal goes to Ombudsman". Malaya. 2009-02-11. http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb11/news2.htm. Retrieved 2009-04-08. 
  14. ^ "Status of acquisitions". Department of National Defense. 2008-11-21. http://www.dnd.gov.ph/DNDWEBPAGE_files/dndbac/status%20acquisition%20Proj%20Undertaken%20by%20DNDBAC%2011-21-08.pdf. Retrieved 2009-04-08. [dead link][dead link]
  15. ^ Philippine Department of Defense Notice of Award (December 2009)
  16. ^ a b c "SND, CGPAF to lead maiden flight of 15 PAF T-41Bs". Public Information Office, PAF. 2009-03-04. http://www.paf.mil.ph/HQ/PIO/PR%20Month%20of%20March%202009/paf%20gets%20t41%20news%202.htm. Retrieved 2009-04-08. 
  17. ^ a b "Tom Cruise aircraft readied for the PAF". The Philippine Star. 2010-03-20. http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=559463&publicationSubCategoryId=67. Retrieved 2010-03-30. 
  18. ^ "DND pushes $13M Italian plane deal". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 2010-03-20. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20100320-259902/DND-pushes-13M-Italian-plane-deal. Retrieved 2010-03-30. 
  19. ^ a b "PAF getting 18 new training jets at P660M". Business Mirror. 2010-05-19. http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25373:paf-getting-18-new-training-jets-at-p660m&catid=23:topnews&Itemid=58. Retrieved 2010-05-22. [dead link]
  20. ^ "Philippine air force plans new transports deal". Flightglobal. 2010-02-22. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/02/22/338650/philippine-air-force-plans-new-transports-deal.html. Retrieved 2010-04-02. 
  21. ^ "AFP to acquire light-lift aircraft - official". GMA News.tv. 2008-07-16. http://www.gmanews.tv/story/107169/AFP-to-acquire-light-lift-aircraft---official. Retrieved 2010-04-02. 
  22. ^ Virgilio M Gaje. "PIA daily news in English, Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Waray, Pangalatok from around the Philippines". Pia.gov.ph. http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=69173. Retrieved 2012-01-16. 
  23. ^ "AFP: No decision yet to buy Chinese aircraft - INQUIRER.net". http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=87318. Retrieved 2012-01-16. 
  24. ^ PAF marks 61st anniversary today at Ebuen Air Base - Manila Bulletin (2 July 2008).
  25. ^ "Air Force to start acquisition of fighter jets by 2011 - GMA News.tv (02 July 2008)". GMA News.tv. 2008-07-02. http://www.gmanews.tv/story/104528/Air-Force-to-start-acquisition-of-fighter-jets-by-2011. Retrieved 2012-01-16. 
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h "Directory: World Air Forces". Flight International: 70. 2008-11-11. 
  27. ^ Rudy Santos (May 23, 2010). "Air Force has 18 brand new trainer jets". The Philippine Star. http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=577682. 
  28. ^ PAF Chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena stated in May 2010 that the PAF then had six S-211s left.[27]
  29. ^ "Air Force to receive anew used aircraft from Thailand". The Daily Tribune. 2011-01-12. http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110112nat2.html. Retrieved 2011-01-12. 
  30. ^ a b c Order of Battle - Philippines, MilAvia press.
  31. ^ "SF260List". Hueybravo.net. 2005-05-14. http://www.hueybravo.net/Airforcepage/sf260list.htm#Write-Offs. Retrieved 2012-01-16. 
  32. ^ "Alenia Aermacchi Sells Trainer to Philippines". DefenseNews. http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3524221. Retrieved 2009-06-10. 
  33. ^ a b "We have two available [F27] Fokker planes...", Florante S. Solmerin (September 1, 2008). Plane-short military to lease commercial flights. Manila Standard. http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news3_sept1_2008. Retrieved 2008-10-25 
  34. ^ "Air Force to get 5 refurbished Hueys". http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/01/06/11/air-force-get-5-refurbished-hueys. Retrieved 2011-11-17. 
  35. ^ "Air Force to get refurbished US choppers". http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/14/10/air-force-get-refurbished-us-choppers. Retrieved 2011-11-17. 
  36. ^ "Article on Bell helicopters visit to PAF". US embassy - Philippines. Archived from the original on 2005-02-04. http://web.archive.org/web/20050204153755/http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/rp1/wwwhra58.html. Retrieved 2006-09-11. 
  37. ^ http://www.hueybravo.net/Airforcepage/Huey_list.htm
  38. ^ "Operating Lease Case Study: 4 Brand New Bell 412EP for The Philippine Presidential Airlift Wing". ITC-Aerospace, Inc. & ITC-Leasing, Inc.. http://www.itca.co.jp/PDF/VIP_Helicopter_Finance&Leasing_rev5.pdf. Retrieved 2009-06-10. 
  39. ^ "No survivor in presidential chopper crash, Palace says". Philippine Daily Inquirer. http://www.gmanews.tv/story/156235/No-survivor-in-presidential-chopper-crash-Palace-says. Retrieved 2009-06-10. 
  40. ^ Leoni, Ray D. Black Hawk, The Story of a World Class Helicopter. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2007, p 249.ISBN 978-1-56347-918-2.
  41. ^ "Supplemental Bid Bulletin No. 1, Procurement of one (1) lot aircraft components for Presidential S-70A Blackhawk helicopter". Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. 2008-10-02. http://www.op.gov.ph/bids/op-project-blackhawk.pdf. Retrieved 2009-04-08. [dead link]
  42. ^ PAF Archives: F-5 “FREEDOM FIGHTERS” DECOMMISSIONED[dead link] Published October 2005, Checked 24 May 2007
  43. ^ "F-8Sale". Hueybravo.net. 2005-04-17. http://www.hueybravo.net/Airforcepage/f-8sale.htm. Retrieved 2012-01-16. 
  44. ^ "PAF bomber crash-lands in Davao airport - The Philippine Star » News » Nation". Philstar.com. 2010-01-05. http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=538090&publicationSubCategoryId=67. Retrieved 2012-01-16. 
  45. ^ "Air Force general, 8 others killed in Cotabato plane crash | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere". Gmanews.tv. 2010-01-28. http://www.gmanews.tv/story/182680/9-killed-in-air-force-plane-crash-in-cotabato-city. Retrieved 2012-01-16. 
  46. ^ by gamorsangcopan on Fri, 01/29/2010 - 00:20 (2010-01-29). "9 killed in Air Force plane crash in Cotabato". ABS-CBN News. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/28/10/report-air-force-plane-crashes-cotabato. Retrieved 2012-01-16. 
  47. ^ by all_in on Wed, 02/24/2010 - 16:45 (2010-02-24). "Another Air Force plane crashes in Tarlac, 2 killed". ABS-CBN News. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/24/10/another-air-force-plane-crashes-tarlac. Retrieved 2012-01-16. 
  48. ^ http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20100719-282013/Air-Force-training-plane-crashes-in-Tarlac-pilots-unhurt
  49. ^ a b Ding Cervantes (2005-09-29). "PAF to retire F-5 fleet". Philippine Star. Archived from the original on 2005-09-29. http://www.timawa.net/forum/index.php?topic=2797.0. Retrieved 2009-04-08. 
  50. ^ Philippine Air Force (2002-08-15). "Philippine Air Force: F-8 Crusader". Philippine Air Force. Archived from the original on 2007-07-12. http://web.archive.org/web/20070625094247/http://www.paf.mil.ph/Gallery2/f8.html. Retrieved 2008-06-22. 
  51. ^ "15th Attack Squadron". 15thstrikewing.mil.ph. 2011-11-29. http://www.15thstrikewing.mil.ph. Retrieved 2012-01-16. 
  52. ^ "16th Attack Squadron". 15thstrikewing.mil.ph. 1974-08-01. http://www.15thstrikewing.mil.ph/16as.htm. Retrieved 2012-01-16. 
  53. ^ "17th Attack Squadron". 15thstrikewing.mil.ph. http://www.15thstrikewing.mil.ph/17as.htm. Retrieved 2012-01-16. 
  54. ^ "18th Attack Squadron". 15thstrikewing.mil.ph. http://www.15thstrikewing.mil.ph/18as.htm. Retrieved 2012-01-16. 
  55. ^ "20th Attack Squadron". 15thstrikewing.mil.ph. http://www.15thstrikewing.mil.ph/20as.htm. Retrieved 2012-01-16. 
  56. ^ "25th Attack Squadron". 15thstrikewing.mil.ph. http://www.15thstrikewing.mil.ph/25cas.htm. Retrieved 2012-01-16. 

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See also: list of Ministries of Defense by country
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