Military to acquire three medium-lift planes

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Department of National Defense (DND) said today that it is prepared to spend P5.3 billion ($119.96 million) for three brand new medium-lift planes.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said the three planes will be used in the conduct of internal security operations, disaster response, and in "national development efforts."

The DND opened the public bidding for the acquisition of the three aircraft today.

Air Force spokesman Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said the twin- engine planes will complement the bigger C-130s.

Okol also said the Philippine Air Force's medium-lift requirement is currently performed by three Fokker planes which are actually designed for passenger transport.