Navy commissions patrol plane from Japan

The Philippine Navy on Tuesday commissioned one of the TC-90 patrol planes from Japan during an activation and blessing ceremony in Sangley Point, Cavite City.

Captain Lued Lincuna, Navy spokesperson, said the Beechcraft King Air TC 90 can be deployed anywhere in the country.

“It will be used for HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster response) and to transport personnel during calamities,” he said over the phone.

He added that the aircraft also has intelligence reconnaissance surveillance.

Captain Juario Marayag, Naval Air Group commander, said the aircraft will boost their air operations and maritime air surveillance capabilities.

“This will also enhance the skills of the naval aviators and maintenance personnel in handling modern equipment. This platform will serve as the gradual transition from the humble Britten Norman Islanders to a much faster, higher, and more capable fixed wing squadron,” he said.

Rear Admiral Gaudencio Collado, Philippine Fleet commander, said the C-90 provides a bigger and better perspective of the operating environment which is crucial for decision making because it will determine the type of capability needed to address a certain threat.

Two TC-90 patrol planes were sent to the country on March 27. The other aircraft is still being repainted.

Three other aircraft from Japan will arrive in the first quarter of 2018.

The aircraft are part of the agreement between the Japan government through the Japan Ministry of Defense that offered the lease of five Beechcraft King air to the Philippines including the necessary training of pilots and maintenance crew, availability of aircraft equipment, tools, and spare parts.

Lincuna said four Filipino pilots have already finished training in Japan and two more are undergoing training.

Last week, Japan and the Philippines signed an agreement for the donation of the aircraft.

Raymundo Elefante, Defense Under secretary for Finance, Munitions, Installations, and Material, earlier said an amendment into the Constitution of Japan allowed it to donate materials to the country.

“Siyempre naaprubahan na ‘yung kanilang amendment. Nakalagay kasi sa Constitution nila na mag-donate so ngayon nabago na ‘yung restriction nila sa Constitution, puwede na sila ngayong mag-donate ng ganyan,” he said. —ALG/BM, GMA News