Philippine Air Force Expands Fleet with Second U.S.-donated C-130H "Hercules" Aircraft

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has added another Lockheed C-130H "Hercules" cargo transport aircraft to its fleet, courtesy of the United States.

The new aircraft, with tail number 5157, touched down at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Feb. 16, after being ferried from Waco, Texas by a U.S. aircrew.

This C-130H is the second of two aircraft provided by the U.S. to the Philippines through its Excess Defense Articles (EDA) Program. The first unit arrived on Jan. 29, 2021, and was formally turned over to the PAF in February of the same year.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo stated that the addition of the new aircraft aims to strengthen the PAF's cargo airlift fleet, supporting various missions, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, and military endeavors.

A formal acceptance, turnover, and blessing ceremony for the C-130H are scheduled tentatively at the end of February or March. The PAF currently operates four older versions or models of the C-130 for its heavy lift missions.