Manila, July 1 -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has shifted its mindset to territorial defense as it celebrates its 78th founding anniversary, its commander said on Tuesday.

Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, in his speech at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, said this transformation was made when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier challenged the Air Force to "realign and sharpen our focus towards territorial defense."

"Across our vast and porous archipelago, your Air Force has risen to that call, flying and defending our airspace and territorial integrity. More importantly, we transitioned mindset, posturing from internal security operations to territorial defense operations," he said.

Cordura also said they are advancing their capabilitie...