Attaining air superiority

August 27, 2019 Sideglance

The country and the government are slowly coming to grips with the realization that the threat of invasion by another foreign country is a near reality that must be dealt with if only to guarantee the freedom now being enjoyed thru the exercise of the State’s sovereignty over its territory.

History will tell us that the country is no stranger to foreign invasion. From the Spaniards to the Americans and finally to the Japanese, the Philippines has played host to invading foreign military forces, usually starting out violently with the use of military force and when the invasion succeeds occupation and suppression of dissent by the victorious invader.

The threat of a foreign invasion is like a Damocles sword hanging over the heads of everyone in the country and it would be foolhardy to remain ignorant of the fact that one of our neighbors, China –the so called sleeping dragon, who is now wide awake by the way, is showing unusually keen interest towards the Philippine archipelago.

In fact against the territorial interests of not only the country but other claimant countries as well China has already established a firm foothold in the Spratly Islands along the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), right at the doorstep of the Philippines, and is now well on its way in developing these reclaimed reef and islets into military redoubts, not only for defensive purposes but probably for offensive purposes as well.

The truth is, no matter how we look the other way the silent but ever present threat of an invasion by China against the country is an imminent possibility and one which must be defended against at all costs.

Since the Republic of the Philippines is not ignorant about foreign invasions, it should by all means develop and fortify its own, not only defensive, but also offensive military capabilities to deter any and all attempts of an invasion.

In a recent situational report posted thru the globalsecurity.org website the Department of National Defense (DND) announced in late 2018 that it is considering the acquisition of the Swedish made multi-role supersonic jet fighter called Gripen for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenza was reported to have disclosed to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that aside from being cheaper and less costly to maintain, the Gripen is an excellent supersonic fighter aircraft.

Lorenzana also revealed in that post that while there are offers from the US for F-16 supersonic jet-fighter interceptors these are more expensive. In comparing the Gripen from the F-16 we find that the only major drawback against the former is that it has not been extensively tested in combat unlike the F-16. (https:/ /www.news18.co /news/india/f16-vs-gripen-which-fighter-jetwill-nirmala-choose-undermake-in-india-1522511.html)

But whatever the government chooses to upgrade its air assets in the PAF, we appreciate the acknowledgement and recognition that by improving the air capabilities of the AFP the country can maintain its sovereignty over its territory.

Achieving air superiority is now crucial if the country is to thwart any foreign invasion or aggression. General William W. Momyer, former Commander of the Tactical Air Command and a distinguished veteran fighter pilot stated in writing in 1978 that, “The contest for air superiority is the most important contest of all, for no other operations can be sustained if this battle is lost.

To win it, we must have the best equipment, the best tactics, the freedom to use them, and the best pilot.”