More information on the Philippine Air Force’s Long Range Patrol Aircraft project unveiled

This project recently received developing news across the Philippine defense and security communities, as this project pertaining to the Philippine Air Force’s first dedicated and advanced patrol aircraft sees interesting progress in its materialization phase.

The following information provided has shared to Pitz Defense Analysis from the sources reliably obtained. Take note that the details we are about to disclose come as ‘first and exclusive’ one coming from this updates-oriented website.

THE FOLLOWING DETAILS

It appears that the recently emerging photos of the Philippine Air Force’s first Long-Range Patrol Aircraft (LRPA), taken in Italy, may well be the last time it is seen on European soil, as the aircraft—bearing MSN 1702—is now on its long journey home to the Philippines to begin its service to the nation.

However, upon its arrival, the aircraft is expected to remain under Elbit’s custody, with mission systems set to be installed locally—rather than at the company’s facilities in Israel or elsewhere—possibly due to the ongoing conflict in the region, which may be affecting Elbit’s logistical chain.

Whether the fully equipped aircraft will be delivered or officially turned over to the Philippine Air Force later this year or next remains to be seen, as it must still undergo demonstration and acceptance flights before handover.

Nevertheless, these developments mark an exciting milestone, as this beautiful aircraft prepares to begin operations in Philippine skies in the coming days.

Furthermore, we have obtained exclusive information regarding the features of this aircraft, and while some details are publicly available and will be visible on the exterior, much of what we now have provides deeper insights beyond what is commonly known.

The following are the baseline specifications of the aircraft:
– Service Ceiling: ≥ 25,000 ft
– Endurance: ≥ 7 hours
– Avionics: Advanced digital glass cockpit
– Optic Glass Windows: Two (2) observatory windows installed on both sides of the cabin, offering a 180º field of view and suitable for oblique photography
– Sensor Operator Stations: Four (4) operator consoles, each operated by a tactical crew member through Multi-Functional Consoles (MFCs), fully integrated via a centralized Mission Management System for comprehensive sensor and mission control

It possesses the following communication systems to ensure reliable, multi-band, real-time connectivity across joint operational networks (including, but not limited to):
– HF / VHF (AM/FM/Marine) / UHF
– Satellite Communication System
– Downlink System
– Airborne AIS Transponder
– Tactical Data Link-16

It is also equipped with modern navigation aids and automated flight safety features (including, but not limited to):
– Performance-Based Navigation (PBN)
– Global Positioning System (GPS)
– Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS)
– Inertial Navigation System (INS)
– Automatic Flight Control System
– Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)
– Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS)

The four (4) onboard consoles mentioned above will be fully integrated with advanced ISR sensors to provide multi-domain awareness, including:

1. EO/IR Imaging Turret – This is a day/night electro-optical and infrared sensor installed beneath the fuselage, offering an unobstructed 360° horizontal and 165° vertical field of view. It enables high-resolution video surveillance and target identification, operable at altitudes up to 25,000 ft and cruising speeds of up to 200 knots.

2. Surface Search Radar – This is mounted beneath the fuselage and housed in a protective radome, this radar is designed for the detection, classification, and tracking of both land and maritime targets—including small and multiple contacts simultaneously. It supports a range of modes and features that enhance situational awareness and targeting capabilities, including:
Detection & Surveillance Modes:
– Maritime Surveillance
– Air Surveillance
– Weather Detection
– Small Target Mode
Target Tracking & Discrimination:
– Moving Target Indicator (Ground, Air, and Maritime)
– Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR)
– Spot Synthetic Aperture Radar (Spot SAR)
– Strip Synthetic Aperture Radar (Strip SAR)
Identification & Interoperability Tools:
– Automatic Identification System (AIS)
– Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponder
Additional Features:
– Other classified capabilities

3. Electronic Intelligence (ESM/ELINT) – Signal detection and electronic support in dense electromagnetic environments. Capable of direction-finding, signal analysis, and automatic radar warning functionality.

4. Communications Intelligence (COMINT) – Automated collection and filtering of communications signals. Assists in determining signal parameters and locations, and supports intercept operations by demodulating and decoding known signal types.

The aircraft will also be fitted with a Self-Protection Suite to ensure survivability in contested environments:
– Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS): Capable of deploying expendable decoys such as chaff and flares to enhance survivability against radar-directed anti-aircraft artillery (AAA), radar-command-guided missiles, radar-homing missiles, and infrared-guided threats.

Additionally, it will be equipped with two (2) adaptable hardpoints capable of supporting a wide range of mission-specific payloads, configurable for (but not limited to):
– SAR pods
– Marker and flare pods
– Spray pods
– Gun/rocket pods
– Anti-ship missiles
– ASW payloads

The contract also includes provisions for future ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) upgrades, designed to support modular expansion toward full ASW capability. Potential upgrades may include:

– Complete integration with the mission system software
– Additional console(s) and operator seat(s)
– Acoustic receiver
– Sonobuoy systems (e.g., launch and storage)
– Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD)
– Fire Control Unit
– Integrated weapons systems

This could indicate a strong likelihood that these features may be procured separately under a follow-on lot or project—similar to how the Philippine Air Force handled its UAS acquisition, where the Electronic Warfare System (EWS) was procured as a separate lot (i.e., EWS for PAF UAS — Lot 2, albeit cancelled). Should this materialize, the Philippine Navy may need to reconsider or defer any plans to acquire a separate, dedicated anti-submarine warfare aircraft for its own branch, though this remains to be seen.

Read more about the Philippine Air Force’s Long-Range Patrol Aircraft Acquisition on this Pitz Defense Analysis article linked here.

(c) 2025 Pitz Defense Updates, a Pitz Defense Analysis extension.