MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force on Monday received the delivery of its newest aircraft — the C295M medium transport plane manufactured by Spain’s Airbus Defence and Space. A handover and blessing ceremony was held at Clark Air Base in Pampanga with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as the guest of honor, said Air Force spokesperson Maj. Aristides Galang in a statement. It is a new addition to the three operational C295 aircraft in the Air Force. “From airlifting personnel and logistical supplies to projecting military force as well as providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response, 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,” Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez was quoted as saying. Lorenzana expressed interest in acquiring additional aircraft of the same type — “to further protect the country’s maritime domain.”The Air Force is expecting another command-and-control aircraft, the Gulfstream G280, by August next year.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer November 11, 2019 16:06 UTC