Brawner vows more air assets for Army's Aviation Regiment
The Philippine Army (PA) is assured of more aerial acquisitions in the coming years to solidify its capability to respond to various threats, Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said on Sunday, Feb. 13.

In a statement, Brawner said that he will push for additional assets for the Army’s Aviation “Hiraya” Regiment which is based in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.
“At the level of Headquarters Philippine Army (HPA), we will lobby for more air assets,” Brawner said.
The Army chief visited Fort Magsaysay where he lauded the Aviation Regiment for its continuous training of aviators in preparation for the acquisition of additional air assets.
He cited the need for close air support, casualty evacuation, and re-supply assets that the Army Division Commanders can deploy at any time.
“We can do so much more. I am foreseeing that in the near-future, the Army Aviation Regiment will be able to soar higher,” Brawner remarked.
The Army Commanding General also reiterated to “Hiraya” aviators his three thrusts and two tasks encapsulated in the command guidance “SERVE.”
He vowed to take care of the physical and mental health of "soldiers," "enhance" their skills and unit competencies, and bring down "resources" to further capacitate troops in mission accomplishment. He said these thrusts will help the Army attain "victory" against state enemies and ensure peaceful and orderly national and local "elections" on May 9.
The Army Commanding General received an honorary Aviator’s Badge from Col. Andre Santos, Aviation Regiment Commander, in a pinning ceremony that highlighted his visit to the home of “Hiraya” aviators.
The Army Aviation Regiment had its humble beginning as the Army Aviation Battalion in 1978. Its primary mission is to provide tactical airlift of combat troops, supplies, and equipment of the infantry divisions and brigades during the conduct of operations.
During its second year activation anniversary on July 8, 2021 as a regiment, the Hiraya aviators received a Messerchmitt Bolkow Blohm BO105M, a light twin-engine and multi-purpose helicopter which was donated by businessman Manny V. Pangilinan.