DND OKs purchase of three C-130 planes

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will have three new C-130 cargo and transport aircraft, which are set for delivery in batches between 2026 and 2027.

Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Director Arsenio Andolong said they have issued the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) a Notice to Proceed with the purchase of three C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft for the PAF from Lockheed Martin, a US-based aerospace, arms defense, information security and technology corporation.

The process of acquiring the three aircraft started in 2021, as part of the Second Horizon of the AFP Modernization Program. Two of the aircraft would be delivered in July and October 2026 and the remaining one in January 2027.

“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,” he said.

“These features will empower our PAF to meet the demands of the AFP’s tactical missions more effectively,” Andolong pointed out.

PAF’s current C-130 aircraft are also active in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.