Philippine Air Force
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| Philippine Air Force | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Philippine Air Force |
| Native name | Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas |
| Caption | Flag of the Philippine Air Force |
| Start date | July 1, 1947 |
| Country | Philippines |
| Branch | Armed Forces of the Philippines |
| Type | Air force |
| Role | Aerial warfare |
| Size | 17,000 active personnel |
| Command structure | Department of National Defense (Philippines) |
| Headquarters | Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay |
| Patron | Saint Joseph |
| Motto | "Guardians of Our Skies" |
| Anniversaries | July 1 |
| Commander1 | Lt. Gen. Stephen P. Parreño |
| Commander1 label | Commanding General |
| Identification symbol | Roundel |
| Identification symbol label | Roundel |
| Aircraft attack | Aermacchi SF.260, Northrop F-5 |
| Aircraft fighter | FA-50PH Fighting Eagle |
| Aircraft helicopter | Bell UH-1 Iroquois, Sikorsky S-70, AgustaWestland AW109 |
| Aircraft patrol | GAF Nomad, Cessna 208 |
| Aircraft trainer | T-41 Mescalero, SIAI-Marchetti S.211 |
| Aircraft transport | Lockheed C-130 Hercules, Fokker F27 Friendship, GAF Nomad |
Philippine Air Force. The Philippine Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It was formally established as a separate military service on July 1, 1947, tracing its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps created in 1935. Its primary mission is to conduct integrated air operations to defend the Philippine archipelago and protect its national interests.
History
The origins of the service date to the activation of the Philippine Army Air Corps under the Commonwealth of the Philippines with assistance from the United States Army Air Corps. During World War II, its fledgling units fought in the Battle of the Philippines (1941–1942) and later participated in the Philippines campaign (1944–1945). Post-independence, it was reorganized as a separate branch and saw action against the Hukbalahap Rebellion and later Communist Party of the Philippines insurgents. It played significant roles during the EDSA Revolution and in ongoing counter-insurgency operations against groups like the New People's Army and Abu Sayyaf. Modernization efforts accelerated in the 21st century, influenced by regional tensions in the South China Sea.
Organization
The command is headed by the Commanding General, Philippine Air Force, headquartered at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay. Major operational commands include the Air Defense Command based at Basilio Fernando Air Base, the Tactical Operations Command in Pasig, and the Air Mobility Command at Benito Ebuen Air Base. The Philippine Air Force Reserve Command manages reserve components, while training is overseen by the Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command at Fernando Air Base in Lipá. Key support units include the Air Logistics Command and the Air Force Special Operations Command.
Aircraft
Its inventory includes multi-role fighters like the FA-50PH Fighting Eagle from Korea Aerospace Industries. Transport aircraft consist of Lockheed C-130 Hercules and GAF Nomad models. Helicopter assets feature the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, Sikorsky S-70, and AgustaWestland AW109. Patrol and reconnaissance duties utilize the Cessna 208 and GAF Nomad. The training fleet includes the T-41 Mescalero, SIAI-Marchetti S.211, and Aermacchi SF.260. Legacy aircraft such as the Northrop F-5 are being phased out as part of the Revitalized-Horizon modernization program.
Bases
Primary installations are strategically located across the archipelago. Major bases include Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, and Clark Air Base in Pampanga. Other key facilities are Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Danilo Atienza Air Base in Cavite City, and Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City. Forward operating locations are maintained in areas like Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro and Puerto Princesa International Airport to extend operational reach.
Operations
Its daily operations encompass air sovereignty patrols, particularly over the West Philippine Sea and Sulu Sea. It provides critical close air support and combat search and rescue for joint military operations against insurgent groups. The service conducts frequent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions during events like Typhoon Haiyan and the Mayon Volcano eruptions. It also participates in bilateral exercises such as Balikatan with the United States Armed Forces and multilateral engagements like ASEAN air force forums.
Ranks and insignia
The rank structure mirrors that of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, divided into commissioned officers, enlisted personnel, and airmen. Commissioned officer ranks range from Second Lieutenant to General, with the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines holding the highest possible rank. Enlisted ranks begin with Airman and ascend to Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Distinctive insignia incorporate Saint Joseph imagery and the triskelion symbol, with uniforms and badges regulated by AFP regulations.
Category:Military of the Philippines Category:Air forces by country