Philippine Navy Set to Recieve Additional TC-90 Aircraft from Japan

14 Juli 2025

Philippine Navy operates five ex JMSDF Beechcraft King Air TC-90s to boost the maritime patrol capability (photo: Scramble)

The Philippine Navy's plan to acquire additional TC90 aircraft from Japan is no longer just a possibility. It's been confirmed by no less than the Navy's top officer, Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Espela.

The Beechcraft TC90 is a twin engine turborop aircraft originally designed for training and light transport, but for the Philippine Navy, it's been more than that. 

Back in 2017, Japan made history by donating five TC90s to the Philippines, marking one of the first major defense equipment transfers under Japan's updated security laws. 

Since then, these humble aircraft have been the backbone of the Naval Air Wings maritime patrol missions, flying surveillance runs over our vast maritime territory from the West Philippine Sea to our southern borders. 

Lightweight and affordable to operate, the TC90s extend the Navy's eyes and ears where bigger aircraft can't always reach. However, five planes alone can only do so much, which is why this new confirmed deal for more TC90s is a huge step forward.

Speaking recently, Vice Admiral Esbala confirmed that talks with Japan now include both the Abukuma class destroyer escorts and additional TC90 aircraft.

According to him, inspections for these new TC90s may even happen at the same time as the inspections for the Abukuma class ships in the coming weeks. 

If all goes well, the next batch of TC90s could be delivered as early as next year. But these aren't just any ordinary trainer aircraft. 

The Philippine Navy wants these new units and some existing ones upgraded for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance or ISR missions. Upgrading these TC90s means turning them into viable maritime patrol platforms.

Beechcraft King Air TC-90 of the Philippine Naval Aviation (photo: Dirk Andrei Salcedo)

So, what does that look like in practice? These planes could be fitted with electrooptical infrared cameras to detect ships and vessels day or night, plus digital data link systems that send real-time intelligence back to command centers. This is similar to what the Philippine Air Force uses with their C208B Grand Caravan ISR planes. 

While they won't replace bigger, longer range patrol aircraft, the upgraded TC90s will be a crucial stop gap, strengthening maritime surveillance. 

While the Navy works to secure its own dedicated long range patrol aircraft in the future, technically the aircraft is expected to come as a grant or donation from the Japanese government, just like the first batch. 

However, the Philippine government still needs to cover the costs of upgrades, logistics, and crew training. In 2017, the Philippines allocated over PHP 155 million to cover these costs for the first five planes. So, expect similar or even higher costs this time, especially with the ISR modifications.

This move is part of Japan's broader strategy to help allies in the region enhance their maritime domain awareness while also boosting interoperability between the two countries navies.

In a time when maritime tensions remain high, especially in the West Philippine Sea, every additional patrol aircraft counts. More TC90s mean more frequent patrols, better coverage of our vast exclusive economic zone, and quicker response to any suspicious activity. 

It also means the Navy can stretch its assets further, freeing up bigger ships for other missions and ensuring we keep a close eye on our waters. 

Upgraded with modern ISR systems, these planes could detect and track vessels more accurately, giving the Philippines better real-time information to make informed decisions.

In the coming weeks, we'll see the critical inspections for the Abukuma class destroyer escorts and the additional TC90s.

If all goes according to plan, the Philippine Navy's Naval Aviation Group  will get a major boost in 2026.

With stronger surveillance, tighter maritime domain awareness and continued partnership with Japan, the Philippine Navy is steadily closing the gaps in our maritime defense. 

(The Mowst)