Back القوات الجوية الفلبينية Arabic Philippine Air Force CEB Filipínské letectvo Czech Fuerza Aérea de Filipinas Spanish نیروی هوایی فیلیپین Persian Filippiinien ilmavoimat Finnish Force aérienne philippine French Angkatan Udara Filipina ID Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas Italian フィリピン空軍 Japanese
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) (Filipino: Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas, lit. 'Air Army of the Philippines') is the aerial warfare service branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Initially formed as part of the Philippine Army as the Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) in 1935, the PAAC eventually saw combat during World War 2 and was formally separated from the Army in 1947 as a separate service branch of the AFP under Executive Order No. 94. At present, the PAF is responsible for both defending Philippine airspace, and conducting aerial operations throughout the Philippines, such as close air support operations, combat air patrols, aerial reconnaissance missions, airlift operations, helicopter tactical operations, special operations, and aerial humanitarian operations, which includes search and rescue operations. The PAF has also carried out various missions within the country and abroad.
The PAF is headquartered at Villamor Air Base in Pasay, and is headed by the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, who holds the rank of Lieutenant General and also serves as the branch's highest-ranking military officer.
- ^ a b International Institute for Strategic Studies (February 25, 2021). The Military Balance 2021. London: Routledge. p. 294. ISBN 9781032012278.
- ^ "Filipinas Heritage Library | Philippine Air Force March". www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
- ^ "Pilot who led air mobility efforts during Marawi siege takes command of PH Air Force". Manila Bulletin. December 20, 2022.
- ^ Schafer, Megan (May 23, 2019). "COMPACAF visit enhances relationship with Philippine Air Force". Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs. Retrieved January 4, 2022.