Kalinaw News: AFP gains new air asset, demonstrates flight capability

From Kalinaw News (Mar 8, 2023): AFP gains new air asset, demonstrates flight capability

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) conducted an Acceptance, Turnover, and Blessing Ceremony of the C-295 Medium Lift Aircraft with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the Guest of Honor and Speaker at the Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga on March 7, 2023. President Marcos Jr. was welcomed by PAF troops led by the Air Force Commanding General, LtGen Stephen P Parreño PAF, and was joined by His Excellency Miguel Utray Delgado, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines, OIC, DND, Senior Undersecretary, Carlito G. Galvez Jr., and AFP Chief of Staff, General Andres C Centino PA.With President Marcos Jr. as the witness, USec Galvez received the documents during the turnover and handed them to LtGen Parreño.

“Let me convey my congratulations and gratitude to the Philippine Air Force for its successful acquisition of three C-295 Medium Aircraft since last year. This attests to the progress of our nation in upgrading our defense capabilities,” said the President while also thanking the Government of Spain for assisting the PAF and bolstering the country’s defense posture.The C-295 Medium Lift Aircraft is a twin-turboprop transport aircraft, the newest generation of tactical air lifters, and is also combat-proven with high versatility, operating under all weather conditions in all types of environments.Spanish Ambassador Delgado also expressed his delight saying,

“I hope to be here again in the future for the delivery of more aircraft in another of its multiple configurations and to be able to see that the C295s are maintained here.”The acquisition of the new aircraft from Spain is another milestone in the AFP’s Modernization Program. The said aircraft will complement the capability of the AFP in providing airlift support, particularly during disasters and calamities, as it will be utilized for tactical airlifts, medical evacuation, paradrop/airdrop, VIP transport, humanitarian airlift missions, and supplement maritime patrols.

The ceremony concluded with the FA-50PH Flight Capability Demonstration, marking the completion of the procurement of three C-295 aircraft, with the first two units delivered last year. With the newly-acquired resources, the Philippine Air Force vows to continue safe-keeping air assets and equipment to maintain peace and security.///(Photos by Sgt Ambay PA, PAOAFP)

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.]

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