MANILA, Philippines - The United States (US) State Department has approved the sale of two C-130 planes to the Philippines in a move seen to boost the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The package has an estimated cost of $61 million or roughly P2.67 billion and would include equipment, parts, training and three-year logistical support, a statement by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.
The sale of the C-130 planes, long regarded as a workhorse of the Philippine Air Force, will have to be approved by the US Congress.
“The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 23, 2014,” DSCA, an agency under the US Defense department, said.
DSCA said the Philippines has requested a possible sale from the Defense department stock of two aircraft and 10 T56-16 engines.
“This proposed sale would contribute to U.S. security and foreign policy goals by building the Philippines’ maritime domain security capacity and deepening our overall strategic partnership with the Philippines,” the agency said.
“The proposed sale of these aircraft and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” it added.
Last month, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang said the Philippines might receive the two C-130 planes next year.
He said the two cargo planes are refurbished but are in good condition.
“We are just finalizing the documents,” Catapang said in an earlier interview.
“We really need the planes so we can deliver relief goods quickly,” he added.
The Air Force has three C-130 Hercules planes in its inventory and is planning to buy two more for its transport needs.
Last November, then Armed Forces chief Emmanuel Bautista said the military would be happy to have nine C-130 planes, noting that the air assets are being used to move personnel and delivery supplies to mission areas.
Other air assets to be acquired by the government include eight combat utility helicopters, two long-range patrol aircraft, six c close-air support aircraft and radar systems, and radar systems.
The Philippine Air Force is also expecting the delivery of 17 Huey helicopters and 12 lead in fighter trainer jets, the biggest item in the military’s upgrade program.