Philippine Air Force Receives Second C-130H Hercules Aircraft from US Defense Department

Defense News ,Philippine :-  In a significant move under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program, the US Department of Defense has successfully handed over a C-130H Hercules military transport aircraft to the Philippine Air Force. The aircraft made its journey from Waco, Texas, to the Clark Air Base in Mabalacat, Pampanga, under the command of a skilled US aircrew and was greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute upon landing.

This delivery marks the second cargo plane provided by the US government to the Philippines through the EDA framework, reinforcing the bilateral defense ties between the two nations. Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo, spokesperson for the Philippine Air Force, emphasized the positive impact of this acquisition, stating that the C-130H Hercules will enhance the cargo airlift fleet and play a crucial role in supporting humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, and various military missions.

Formal turnover and acceptance ceremonies for the newly acquired aircraft are anticipated to take place in either February or March, as announced by the Philippine Air Force.

The EDA program, managed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, facilitates the transfer of surplus military assets from the US military's existing stockpile to allied nations. These transfers, either through foreign military sales or donations, contribute to the modernization efforts of partner nations. The assets, provided at reduced prices based on their condition, are subject to an "as is, where is" policy, placing responsibility on the receiving party for logistics, transport requirements, and optional refurbishments.

In addition to the recent C-130H Hercules delivery, the Philippine Air Force is set to bolster its fleet further with the acquisition of three new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, as announced in October 2023. This strategic move is part of a joint effort by the US and its Asia Pacific ally to counteract Beijing's ongoing military activities in the South China Sea. Lockheed Martin is expected to deliver two of the C-130J aircraft in 2026, with the remaining one scheduled for 2027. The total value of this sale has not been disclosed by the Philippine Department of Defense.