United States is expected to deliver the first of two refurbished C130 military transport aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on December 17. This acquisition is co-financed by Philippine government and and US Foreign Military Financing.
Visiting acting US Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller confirmed the date to National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the turn over of PHP1.38 billion ($29 million) worth of defense gears, including snipers and anti-IED equipment on December 8.
“We are grateful for the support provided by the United States as we continuously work on the enhancement of the Philippines’ defense capabilities,” Lorenzana said during the turn over.
“The modernization of the AFP will ultimately allow us to respond more effectively to both traditional and non-traditional security threats to our maritime nation. Our government expresses our deep appreciation for the US government’s assistance in protecting our borders from external threats,” he added.
(Mintfo)