The United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg confirmed that two C-130 Hercules aircraft are anticipated to be delivered in the first quarter of this year (2016).
During commissioning and the turnover of two assault variants of AgustaWestland AW-109E and eight brand new Bell-412EPs, Goldberg said that “We help support the Philippine modernization through excess defense articles and there are two more C-130s in the pipeline.”
The Philippine government together with the help of the United States government through its foreign military funding, which was pegged at $50 million in 2015 will support the Philippine military modernization, Goldberg added.
The Philippine Air Force will expand its number and capacity of existing medium-lift aircraft. With a total projected budget at about $55 million and there will be five missions-ready C-130s by 2016.
In the aftermath of super typhoon “Haiyan or Yolanda” in November 2013, the C-130 Hercules was used during the rescue and operation efforts, Unfortunately, that time the PAF has only two of these aircraft which brings difficulties in moving numbers of people and delivering humanitarian relief supplies to the affected areas.
Designed to provide significant transfer and heavy airlift, the five C-130 Hercules will soon boost the Philippine Air Force operational capabilities and will be prepared for any calamities and eventualities. -Carl E.
