PCG Acquires Three US King Air Planes to Boost Search, Rescue Capacity

19 Februari 2026

Beechcraft King Air of the Philippine Navy (photo: Vin De Guzman)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) formally began the acquisition of three Beechcraft King Air turboprop airplanes from the United States to boost the country's maritime domain awareness (MDA) and search and rescue (SAR) capabilities.

In a statement on Tuesday, the PCG said the acquisition was formalized through a letter of offer and acceptance signed by PCG Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan and US Assistant Secretary of War for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs John Noh during a bilateral meeting in Makati City on Monday.

“The milestone signing cements a critical upgrade to the PCG’s MDA and SAR capability,” it said.

The signing came after a recent series of maritime incidents in the Philippine seas, such as the capsizing of the bulk carrier M/V Devon Bay and the sinking of the passenger ferry M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 that occurred days apart.

“(These incidents) have underscored the urgent need for faster and more efficient SAR response,” it said.

Aside from the aircraft acquisition, Gavan and Noh also discussed the Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System Program, a comprehensive US Coast Guard SAR planning program that uses advanced environmental modeling and simulation technology to optimize search planning.

The program is said to maximize the probability of locating persons in distress at sea.

“The introduction of these capabilities is expected to significantly boost the PCG’s effectiveness in MDA and SAR operations,” the statement said.

During the meeting, both officials discussed broader US support for the PCG’s modernization, including sustained MDA operations in the West Philippine Sea and support for other coast guard functions.

“The meeting reinforced the coast guard-to-coast guard dimension of the US-Philippine alliance and the shared commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific,” the PCG said.

Gavan also announced the first-time participation of the PCG in the Rim of the Pacific exercise as the first foreign coast guard service to join the exercise since its inception.

“(The event places) the PCG alongside the world’s leading navies and maritime security agencies,” it said. 

(PNA)