As tensions with China increase and military cooperation with the United States becomes increasingly friendly, the Philippines has begun to increase its military posture. In the transport aircraft segment, the Pinoy State military can be said to be very behind in Southeast Asia, even though as an island country, the presence of heavy transport aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules is very much needed.
Currently, the Philippine Air Force only operates four C-130B/H Hercules units which came from former US military service. Meanwhile, one C-130H unit fell into total loss on July 4 2021. As if implying a military revival, the Philippines finally followed in Indonesia's footsteps, namely acquiring a C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft.
Quoted from philstar.com (17/10/2023), the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) approved the acquisition of three C-130J-30 aircraft for the Philippine air force.
According to DND, the Super Hercules will be delivered in the period July 2026, October 2026, and January 2027. This acquisition begins in 2021, as part of the Second Horizon of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.
"The C-130J Super Hercules will enhance our airlift capabilities to support military operations and other national development efforts including relief operations in times of disaster," said Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo, spokesperson for the Philippine Air Force. This aircraft will be manufactured by Lockheed Martin and delivered in new condition.
The Philippine military says it is experiencing a shortage of heavy transport aircraft. “These aircraft are critical to the rapid deployment of government assets or resources in response to emergencies.” According to the Philippine Air Force, there are only four C-130 assets available and used for humanitarian purposes.
In addressing the asset shortage, Custodio recommended purchasing more C-130 aircraft as a precaution against potential operational problems resulting from overuse. Due to very limited units, existing aircraft assets tend to be operated 'too hard.'
Custodio further stressed the importance of expediting the delivery of the aircraft, especially considering the proximity of military and natural threats.
Apart from the four C-130 Hercules units, the Philippine Air Force operates smaller transport aircraft, such as the NC-212i (2 units), C-295 (7 units) and Fokker F-27 (2 units).