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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PAF adds new spy plane to fleet

PAF adds new spy plane to fleet

Published Sep 19, 2023 05:14 am
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The Philippine Air Force (PAF) Base Air Chaplain blesses the new C-208B aircraft at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Sept. 19, 2023. (Photo by PAF)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) bared the newest addition of a spy plane to its fleet to enhance its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. led the formal acceptance, turn-over and blessing of the brand-new Cessna 208B (C-208B) Grand Caravan EX ISR aircraft at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

The documents for the turn-over of the spy plane was delivered by Col. Edward Evans, chief of Joint United States Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG)-Philippines, to Teodoro, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr., and PAF commanding general Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño.

The C-208B aircraft is known for its rugged utility and flexibility. It can operate up to 912 nautical miles and stay airborne for five hours and 30 minutes.

The spy plane is equipped with an advanced ISR capability including line-of-sight live data and air-to-ground information streaming, and will be operated by the 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing (AISW) headed by PAF Brig. Gen. Edgar Torres.

“The said aircraft will be utilized in support of internal security operations, territorial defense, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) specifically in the conduct of rapid damage assessment and needs analysis (RDANA) during times of calamities and disasters,” Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF spokesperson, said.

“The C-208B will also be significant in counterterrorism and law enforcement efforts,” she added.

With the latest acquisition, the PAF now operates three Cessna ISR aircraft in its inventory which were all acquired as grants from the US government.

The first two units were delivered and turned-over in August 2017 when the AFP was battling terrorists and local militant groups that laid siege in Marawi City.

Related Tags

clark air base Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Stephen Parreno General Romeo Brawner Jr. PAF
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