Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista on Monday said the decision to acquire two more Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft was done to boost the military's strategic lift capability.
He added that this goal was reflected by the fact that the Navy has recently bidded out the requirements for two 7,000 gross register ton strategic sealift vessels which are expected to be in service within three years time.
"We are now in the process of acquiring these two C-130s," Bautista said.
He added that the C-130 is a very ideal strategic lift aircraft as proven by its performance during September's
"We need more (C-130s and strategic sealift vessels) and will get more as our resources will allow," the AFP chief stressed.
Aside from combat missions, these assets also have a very valuable secondary mission like search-and-rescue and relief missions.
Currently, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) operates three C-130 aircraft while the Navy operates four to five logistic ships.
Studies indicate that the PAF needs to have at least nine C-130s to be able to carry out its strategic lift requirements.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=590545
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