It was the end of an era for the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) Bell AH-1S “Cobra” attack helicopter and North American Rockwell OV-10 “Bronco” multi-role attack aircraft after they were officially retired by the military on Saturday, Dec. 28.

The PAF’s 15^th Strike Wing led the decommissioning ceremony of the remaining units of the Cobras and Broncos at the Four-Bay Hangar in Major Danilo Atienza Air Base, Sangley Point, Cavite City.

The PAF said the ceremony marked the end of an era for the venerable aircraft which “have served in the military with distinction.” It was attended by Maj. Gen Araus Robert Musico, commander of the Air Combat Command; Maj. Gen. Dennis Estrella, commander of the Air Logistics Command, and active and retired pilots and crew of both aircraft.

The Cobras, regarded as the first dedicated attack helicopter of the PAF, arrived in the country on Nov. 26, 2019 after they were donated by King Abdullah II of Jordan to support internal security and counter-terrorism efforts. PAF pilots and maintenance crew were trained locally and abroad prior to the arrival of the aircraft to prepare them for its usage.

“The Cobra played a vital role in various combat missions, providing Close Air Support (CAS) during the ‘Oplan Polaris II’ operation in Baggao, Cagayan, and participating in Battlefield Air Interdictions during the ‘Oppord Kilo Uno’ operation in Pantabangan, Nueva Vizcaya,” the Air Force said.

“The Cobra also carried out additional CAS missions in the regions of Abra and Cagayan, aiding ground troops in counter-insurgency operations. From its first mission to its final flight, the Cobra symbolized strength and resilience, playing a crucial part in defending peace and security in the Philippines,” it noted.

Meanwhile, the Broncos was introduced on Nov. 12, 1991 and had served the PAF for 33 years.

The PAF said that the Broncos played a key role in CAS, counterinsurgency operations, and campaigns against insurgent groups like the New People’s Army (NPA), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

“The OV-10 was instrumental in pursuing the objective of Operation Thunder Bolt in 2000, helping dismantle the MILF's stronghold, and in subsequent campaigns, including the 2001 Basilan mission and the 2006 Sulu Archipelago offensive,” the PAF said.

The Broncos were also instrumental during the 2017 Battle of Marawi where it carried out 88 surface strikes, providing vital close air support to ground troops.

The PAF paid tribute to the final batch of Cobras and Broncos, as well as their pilots and maintenance crew.

“As they end their era in the skies of the Philippine Air Force, we positively move forward, building on the lessons learned and the successes achieved during the distinguished careers of these reputable platforms. They will remain symbols of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s defense,” it said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is embarking on a modernization program to upgrade its aging fleet.

Late last year, President Marcos Jr. approved a P2-trillion wish list for the AFP’s “Re-horizon 3” program, which includes the procurement of “sophisticated assets” such as fighter jets.