MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force has acquired two military transport aircraft which would immediately be put to use upon delivery in the government’s continuing efforts to contain the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
One of the Lockheed C-130 “Hercules” aircraft is expected to arrive this month while the other is anticipated to be delivered by November or December.
Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the aircraft were welcome additions to the Air Force’s fleet of cargo aircraft which are being used extensively in transporting medical supplies, particularly personal protective equipment, and stranded individuals amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Co-funded by USAndolong said on Sunday that the two C-130s cost a total of P2.5 billion and were procured through the United States foreign military financing (FMF) program which provides grants and loans for the acquisition of defense equipment, services and training.He explained that the procurement was cofinanced by the Philippines in the amount of P1.6 billion and the United States which contributed P900 million from the US FMF program.
Andolong pointed out that the two C-130s currently being used to help out in antiCOVID efforts, particularly in the transportation of medical supplies and locally stranded individuals, needed to undergo maintenance servicing.“The arrival of the newly-acquired aircraft would be timely because the two aircraft we are using are close to reaching or have reached their maximum flying hours,” he said. INQ