PCG signs deal for 3 new aircraft from US

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday formally signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the acquisition of three King Air utility aircraft from the United States.

In a statement, the PCG said its Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan signed the deal during a bilateral meeting with US Assistant Secretary of War for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs John Noh in Makati City.

“The LOA signing comes at a critical time, following the recent series of maritime incidents in the West Philippine Sea involving MV Devon Bay that capsized near Scarbrough Shoal and the recent sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan in January 26, 2026, that have underscored the urgent need for faster and more efficient [search and rescue] response,” the PCG said.

The King Air is a twin-turboprop engine plane used for corporate travel, cargo, and special missions, offering high-altitude capabilities. These can operate from shorter runways than most jet aircraft.

Aside from this, the two officials also tackled the Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System Program, which is a comprehensive US Coast Guard SAR planning program.

This program uses advanced environmental data modeling and simulation technology to enhance search planning and maximize the probability of locating persons in distress at sea, according to the PCG.

“The introduction of these capabilities is expected to significantly boost the PCG’s effectiveness in [maritime domain awareness], and SAR operations,” the Coast Guard said.

Gavan and Noh also talked about broader US support for the PCG’s modernization covering sustained MDA operations in the West Philippine Sea and other core coast guard functions. 

“The meeting reinforced the coast guard-to-coast guard dimension of the U.S.-Philippine alliance and the shared commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific,” the PCG said.

Gavan also announced that for the first time, the PCG will participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise as the first foreign coast guard to join the exercise since its inception. —Joviland Rita/RF, GMA Integrated News