Manila, July 8 -- Acquiring and installing a "stand-off capability", or the ability to detect and engage targets at long range without being targeted in return, is part of the country's deterrence posture, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said late Tuesday.

He gave this response when asked by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on whether the agency is planning to install a "stand-off capability" on the 12 FA-50 Block 70 light fighter jets the country acquired from South Korea and will soon arrive in the country, as part of the efforts to beef up the country's air defense capabilities.

"Meron. Nandiyan (yan) lagi sa ating (plano) kasi deterrence 'yan (There is. It is always part of our plan because of it...