End of an era: PAF decommissions OV-10 Broncos, AH-1 Cobras

The Philippine Air Force ended another chapter in its 77-year history after it formally retired two combat aircraft from its inventory, the OV-10 Bronco and the AH-1 Cobra.

The 15th Strike Wing (Trojans) conducted the decommissioning ceremony on Saturday, December 28, at the Major Danilo Atienza Air Base in Sangley Point, Cavite City.

In a post from the 15th Strike Wing on Sunday, Senior PAF officers Major General Araus Robert Musico, Commander of the Air Combat Command and Major Gen.Dennis Estrella, Commander of the Air Logistics Command, were joined by active and retired pilots and crew of both aircraft which the PAF said served with “distinction”.

The AH-1S Cobra is the PAF's first dedicated attack helicopter. Two gunships were donated by King Abdullah II of Jordan in 2019 to support internal security and counter-terrorism efforts. The Cobras were employed in various combat missions, providing Close Air Support (CAS) during the Oplan Polaris II in Baggao, Cagayan, and participating in Battlefield Air Interdictions during the “Oppord Kilo Uno” operation in Pantabangan, Nueva Vizcaya. The Cobra also undertook CAS missions in Abra and Cagayan, providing air support to ground troops in counter-insurgency (COIN) operations. 

Meanwhile, the North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco, a twin-turboprop, multi-role aircraft, served the PAF  for nearly 40 years, having been introduced in 1991. Proven in the Vietnam War and the first Gulf War, the venerable Bronco, 41 of which were acquired from the US and Thailand, assumed a major role in CAS, COIN operations, and campaigns against various insurgent groups throughout the country. 

Flown by the 16th Attack Squadron and the 25th Composite Attack Squadron, the OV-10 is credited with a major role in Operation Thunder Bolt in 2000, the dismantling of the main stronghold of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as well as 2001 missions in Basilan and the 2006 Sulu Archipelago offensive.

The OV-10 also made history when the PAF's first two women combat pilots flew the Bronco. 

One of its last notable contributions was during the 2017 Battle of Marawi, where it conducted 88 air strikes, providing close air support to ground troops fighting Islamic State and Maute insurgents.

“The OV-10 Bronco’s 33 years of service, adaptability, and precision made it a symbol of resilience and dedication, remembered for its critical role in defending our nation,” the PAF said.

“The service of the Bronco and Cobra is marked by countless missions and operations, this firmly stands as a testament to the dedication and bravery of the pilots and crew who flew and maintained them. As they end their era in the skies of the Philippine Air Force, we positively move forward, building on the lessons learned and the successes achieved during the distinguished careers of these reputable platforms. They will remain symbols of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s defense,” the PAF added.

Replacing these classic aircraft are the newly acquired EMBRAER Super Tucano from Brazil and the Turkish-made TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK. —RF, GMA Integrated News