C-130 Aircraft For Philippine Air Force Spotted

24 Januari 2021

C-130H wit tail number 5125 for PAF (photo : SBGrad)

The first of 2 refurbished C-130H Hercules transport aircraft from United States acquired for Philippine Air Force (PAF) was spotted at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California last week.

The said acquisition is funded jointly by the Philippine government and US through its Foreign Military Financing program.

Arrival of the first aircraft was scheduled last year but was affected by the ongoing pandemic.

On December 8, 2020, visiting then Acting US Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller mentioned that the delivery of first aircraft is taking place December 17.

Miller, at that time, turned over to National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana PHP1.38 billion ($29 million) worth of defense gears, including snipers and anti-IED equipment.

“We are grateful for the support provided by the United States as we continuously work on the enhancement of the Philippines’ defense capabilities,” Lorenzana said during the turn over of defense gears.

“The modernization of the AFP will ultimately allow us to respond more effectively to both traditional and non-traditional security threats to our maritime nation. Our government expresses our deep appreciation for the US government’s assistance in protecting our borders from external threats,” he added.

(Mintfo)