DND to acquire three brand new C-130 aircraft

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday said it has issued the Notice to Proceed for the acquisition of three brand new aircraft units for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

In a statement, the DND said the three C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft are set to arrive in the country in July 2026, October 2026 and January 2027.

The three aircraft will be added to PAF's current mixed fleet of C-130s that are used to support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts and military operations.

"The additional cargo space of the C-130J-30, coupled with the reliability of C-130 aircraft we have in our current fleet, will provide our Air Force with greater operational flexibility," said DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong.

"These features will empower our PAF to meet the demands of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' tactical missions more effectively."

The DND said the acquisition is part of the Second Horizon of the AFP's Modernization Program. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/KBK, GMA Integrated News