MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Air Force of the Philippines (AFP) will have two additional C-130 planes within the next few months in a move to strengthen the military's heavy-lift capability, Air Force Chief Maj. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz said today.
According to Cruz, the first additional C-130 is expected to arrive from the United States, where it is undergoing repair; the second one, which is being repaired in the Philippines, will be available by September or October.
At present, the Air Force has only one C-130, and the arrival of the two C-130 planes would augment its heavy-lift capability, Cruz said.
The C-130 is used by the military to transport troops and supplies. It has also been used to transport relief goods and other supplies for victims of typhoons and other forms of calamities.
The Air Force is expecting by November four additional Sokol helicopters from Augusta PZL Swidnick, an Italian and Polish firm, which signed a P2.8 billion ($65.6 million) contract with the AFP for the delivery of eight Sokol combat utility helicopters.
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The Philippine Star | March 11,2012 | Article Link
