PH buys 2 C-130 planes from US; due 1st quarter of 2016

The Philippines is expecting two C-130s from the United States in the first quarter of 2016, the US Embassy said on Friday.

A team of representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines led by Major General Victor Bayani, Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics, conducted a second inspection of two US C-130 aircraft at the Joint Reserve Naval Air Station in Fort Worth, Texas on Thursday.

After the inspection, Bayani signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance on behalf of the Philippine government to procure the aircraft. Its anticipated delivery date is on the first quarter of 2016, the US Embassy said in a statement.

The C-130s are the workhorse of the AFP in relief operations and transporting personnel. It can carry as much as 200 persons.

“This remarkable aircraft proved to be a critical lifesaving tool in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda, moving large numbers of people and humanitarian relief supplies in the affected areas,” the US Embassy said.

There are currently three C-130s in the Air Force inventory.

‘‘The sale of the two C-130s is part of the US Government’s commitment to help the Philippines develop its territorial defense and maritime security capabilities, as well as enhance its ability to respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief emergencies, which routinely occur in the Philippines,” it added.

The cost of the used planes is projected at about $55 million.

The US Embassy also said that the US is providing $20 million in US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) towards this purchase.

“In 2014 alone, the United States allocated a total of $50 million in FMF for the AFP. In addition to the C-130s, these funds will be used to help upgrade equipment onboard Philippine Navy ships, improve AFP Command and Control systems, provide advanced technical training, and strengthen institutions responsible for the maintenance and sustainment of the AFP’s growing inventory,” the US Embassy said.