PH Air Force commissions brand new ‘command and control’ aircraft

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Monday (Sept. 21) commissioned a new sophisticated aircraft worth P2-billion envisioned for “command and control” (C2) use.

The Gulfstream G280 was formally turned over to the PAF in a simple turnover and blessing ceremony at Haribon Hangar, Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, the PAF said in a statement.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay, and Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes were among those present at the ceremony.

The G280 has a maximum range of 3,600 nautical miles/6,667 kilometers at a long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.80. It was acquired from the United States through foreign military financing program.

It may also be used for VIP transport; airborne early warning; medical evacuation; high-altitude atmospheric research; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

“The C2 aircraft will become part of a system designed for enhanced control of operations through continuous communications especially during operational exigencies and emergencies,” the PAF said.

“It will allow for time-sensitive decisions to be made while airborne especially by the AFP chain of command like the Secretary of National Defense; chief of staff, AFP; major service commanders, and commanders of the unified commands,” it added.

For its inaugural flight, the G280 flew COVID Interagency Task Force (IATF) members Lorenzana, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año; Health Secretary Francisco Duque III; IATF chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and other officials to Davao City, President Rodrigo Duterte’s hometown, to check on the current COVID-19 situation there, the PAF said.

The plane also flew personal protective equipment and other medical supplies.

TSB