US Offers to Gift Four OV-10 aircraft To PAF

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is expected to receive four OV-10 aircraft as gift from the United States, Defense Secretary Delfin  Lorenzana announced Monday.

Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar said in a text message to Lorenzana, "We will bear the cost for the PCHT or cargo handling, as discussed in the Foreign Modernization Report (FMR) two weeks ago.”

Lorenzana replied the four OV-10 aircraft will be transferred to the PAF either this year or next year. The PAF still has a number of remaining OV10s which were previously used during the air campaign last year to help liberate Marawi City from the hands of local and foreign terrorists.

According to the article posted on the Defense News website, sources in the Philippines said the government was offered the North American OV-10 Bronco twin turboprop light attack aircraft after it had requested the transfer of spare parts for this type stored by the US government.  

The aircraft retired from US military was provided free of charge to the Philippines as part of an assistance package to the country’s military.

The Philippines subsequently inspected the aircraft and found them suitable for use.

However, the costs of transportation from the United States will be borne by Philippines, with the transfer expected to take place later this year and the aircraft ready for service in early 2019.

The article also states that Philippines is the last operator of the OV-10 Bronco, with currently operating between eight and 10 aircraft.The country previously upgraded its OV-10s to employ laser-guided bombs designated by troops on the ground.