Breaking news
Philippines and United States finalize purchase of two more C-130 Hercules military airlifters.
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World
Defense & Security Industry News - Boeing |
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| Philippines and United States finalize purchase of two more C-130 Hercules military airlifters | |||
The
Philippines and the United States have finalized the purchase by the former
of two C-130 “Hercules” following an inspection by Army Major
General Victor Bayani, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (J4) of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines. |
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Philippine C-130
Hercules military airlifter |
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Bayani led airmen
to have a second look at the planes at the Joint Reserve Naval Air Station
in Fort Worth Texas, leading to the official signing of the purchase
contract, the US Embassy in Manila said Friday.
“Following this inspection, General Bayani officially signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance on behalf of the government of the Philippines to procure the aircraft, with an anticipated delivery date in the first quarter of 2016,” the Embassy said in a statement. “The sale of the two C-130s is part of the US Government’s commitment to help the Philippines develop its territorial defense and maritime security capabilities, as well as enhance its ability to respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief emergencies, which routinely occur in the Philippines,” it added. At present, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has only three C-130s, of which only one was operational during Typhoon Yolanda. When the typhoon struck in November 2013, the other two were under repair and maintenance. With the two sides sealing the purchase for the additional pair of cargo planes, the PAF’s “workhorse” will be increased to 5 units next year. According to the US Embassy, the total purchase amount of the two aircraft is $55 million. “As part of a joint investment program to build the capabilities of the Philippine Military, the US is providing $20 million in US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) towards this purchase,” it said. “In 2014 alone, the United States allocated a total of $50 million in FMF for the AFP. In addition to the C-130s, these funds will be used to help upgrade equipment onboard Philippine Navy ships, improve AFP Command and Control systems, provide advanced technical training, and strengthen institutions responsible for the maintenance and sustainment of the AFP’s growing inventory,” the US added. |
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