PH Air Force to get 2 more C-130 "Hercules” cargo aircraft

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is adding much needed muscle in its fleet of flying assets, most especially in the transport needs of the whole Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The PAF announced it will acquire two (2) more Lockheed C-130 Hercules” cargo aircraft which is a welcome addition to its existing fleet of 5 workhorses.

“Based on our current status reports, one of the C-130s is expected to arrive this month (July) while the other one will arrive before the end of the year. Both have no specific (arrival) dates yet,” Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.

One of 2 PAF's operational Lockheed C-130 Hercules
(photo credit to owner)

The acquisition for the 2 C-130’s is 2.5 billion pesos.

"Cost is PHP2.5 billion. They (C-130s were) co-financed by the Philippines (who contributed PHP1.6 billion) and the US through FMF (Foreign Military Financing) program worth (PHP900 million)," Andolong added.

The PAF was actually able to save much needed money in this acquisition project, as originally the PAF was only acquiring one (1) unit with a budget of Php2.080 billion. But now they're getting two (2) for Php2.5 billion.

The addition of the 2 C-130’s is a big boost considering  only 2 C-130s are operational at the moment (1 C-130H and 1 C-130T) since the sole C-130B is currently non-operational, the burnt C-130H was already cannibalized and written off, and the 2nd C-130T is in Europe undergoing IRAN maintenance.

The C-130 is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now known as Lockheed Martin.

Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport aircraft.

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Report from PNA  Maxdefense Philippines

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