The Philippines Air force plans to obtain a single Lockheed Martin C-130H aircraft on the international market, as it awaits the return of two C-130Hs that have spent two years in programmed depot maintenance (PDM).
The plan to issue a tender for a used C-130H is awaiting approval from the Philippines Department of National Defense, said a PAF spokesman. Approval and the issuing of a tender are likely during 2012, he said.
When the PDM of the two C-130Hs is complete, likely in March, they will return to the force, bringing the PAF's number of operational C-130Hs to three aircraft.
The PDM of one C-130H was undertaken in the USA under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal. The other was undertaken by the PAF's 410th Maintenance Wing at Clark air base with assistance from US advisors. The spokesman said the PAF hopes to improve its ability to maintain the C-130H.
Aside from these three aircraft, the PAF has two additional C-130Hs that are grounded.
Source: Flight International
