PHL Air Force acquires C-295M aircraft from Spain

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was present at the blessing ceremony of the newly acquired C295 aircraft on Monday at the Haribon Hangar, Clark Air Base in Pampanga. PHOTO FROM the Air Force Public Affairs Office

The Philippine Air Force formally accepted a C-295M #177 aircraft from Spain’s Airbus Defense and Space division as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Modernization Program, according to a statement from the Air Force Public Affairs Office.

The aircraft was blessed on Monday at the Haribon Hangar, Clark Air Base in Pampanga in the presence of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

The new aircraft was acquired under the AFP Modernization Program’s Command and Control Fixed-Wing Turbo Prop Acquisition project.

With the arrival of the C295M aircraft, the Air Force now has three operational C295 aircraft units that will boost capabilities to transport troops and equipment and deployment of humanitarian aid and conduct of relief operations.

The aircraft can also be used to transport President Rodrigo Duterte and other Philippine officials.

“Air mobility has been an indispensable capability that the Philippine Air Force provides through the competency of our pilots, crew and the aircraft that we possess. The aircraft personifies the guardians of our precious skies and the bearers of hope,” said Air Force Commanding General Rozzano Briguez.

The general also vowed stronger ties between the Philippines and Spain.

The first task of the C-295M is to aid in relief efforts to quake-hit Mindanao. — BAP, GMA News