PHL to get 2 more American C-130s

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 18): PHL to get 2 more American C-130s

The Philippine Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo plane fleet, which consists of three aircraft, will be getting another two units with the assistance of the United States government.

This was disclosed by US Ambassador Philip Goldberg during the sidelights of the turnover and commissioning of the eight brand-new Bell-412EPs and two attack versions AgustaWestland AW-109E Monday.

"We help support Philippine modernization through excess defense articles, there are two more C-130s in the pipeline," he added.

The two planes have an anticipated delivery date in the first quarter of 2016.

The C-130 is designed to provide significant airlift capabilities, even to remote under-developed airfields.

This remarkable aircraft proved to be a critical lifesaving tool in the aftermath of Supertyphoon "Yolanda", moving large numbers of people and humanitarian relief supplies in the affected areas.

These additional aircraft from the United States will increase the number of mission-ready C-130s in the Philippine Air Force to five, significantly expanding the number and capacity of existing medium lift aircraft.

The total value of this procurement is projected to be about USD55 million.

Goldberg said Philippine military modernization is also being supported by the US government through its foreign military funding which was pegged at USD50 million in 2014.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=794407