AFP Conducted a Second Inspection for Purchase of Two C-130

09 Januari 2015

Philippine and U.S. Armed Forces team inspect a C130T in Texas.(photo : US Embassy)

PHL to acquire 2 C-130s from US

MANILA (PNA) -- Ranking Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) representatives on Thursday (US time) conducted a second inspection of two US Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft at the Joint Reserve Naval Air Station in Fort Worth, Texas.

Major Gen. Victor Bayani, AFP chief-of-staff for logistics, officially signed the letter of offer and acceptance on behalf of the Government of the Philippines to procure the aircraft.

The two planes have an anticipated delivery date in the first quarter of 2016.

The US Embassy in Manila, in a statement, stressed that the sale of the two C-130s is part of the American Government’s commitment to help the Philippines develop its territorial defense and maritime security capabilities, as well as enhance its ability to respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief emergencies, which routinely occur in the Philippines.

The C-130 is designed to provide significant airlift capabilities, even to remote under-developed airfields.

This remarkable aircraft proved to be a critical lifesaving tool in the aftermath of super typhoon "Yolanda", moving large numbers of people and humanitarian relief supplies in the affected areas.

These additional aircraft from the United States will increase the number of mission-ready C-130s in the Philippine Air Force to five, significantly expanding the number and capacity of existing medium lift aircraft.

The total value of this procurement is projected to be about US$ 55 million.

As part of a joint investment program to build the capabilities of the Philippine Military, the U.S. is providing US$ 20 million in US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) towards this purchase.

In 2014 alone, the United States allocated a total of US$ 50 million in FMF for the AFP.

In addition to the C-130s, these funds will be used to help upgrade equipment onboard Philippine Navy ships,improve AFP Command and Control systems, provide advanced technical training, and strengthen institutions responsible for the maintenance and sustainment of the AFP’s growing inventory.

This is another example of how the close partnership between US and Philippine Forces is helping build further capacity that will benefit the entire nation. 

(PNA)