Philippines buying C-130s from U.S. for security, disaster relief

Philippine troops offload supplies from a U.S. C-130 for a disaster -relief operation. Photo by Senior Mass Communication Spc. Spike Call/US Navy

MANILA, Jan. 12 (UPI)

The Philippine military is acquiring C-130 aircraft from the United States and attack helicopters from AgustaWestland as part of a modernization drive.

The two separate deals have a combined value of nearly $58 million.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines will purchase two C-130T aircraft for $55 million from the United States to improve the country's maritime security and interoperability, especially during a disaster," the U.S. Embassy said in a news release.

"As part of a joint investment program to build the capabilities of the Philippine military, the United States is providing $20 million in U.S. foreign military financing toward the purchase."

An agreement for the aircraft was signed recently at the Joint Reserve Naval Air Station in Fort Worth, Texas, by a Philippine military representative during a visit to inspect the transport aircraft.

Delivery of the planes, expected in early 2016, will bring to five the number of C-130 aircraft in operation in the country in military and humanitarian missions, such as airlifting supplies to islands following typhoons.

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