Why the Philippines is still awaiting long-range patrol aircraft after a decade
The Philippines appears set to purchase two maritime patrol aircraft from Israel, perhaps based on IAI’s ELI-3360 MPA. (Photo: IAI)
It is believed that the Philippine Air Force has selected an Israeli solution for its maritime patrol aircraft programme.
Manila still has not obtained maritime patrol aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF), even though it started a search for new platforms back in 2013. However, Department of National Defense (DND) documents from January reveal that a notice of award was issued on 14 November 2022, before being amended on 5 January.
Furthermore, initial funding under the special allotment release order had been approved in August 2022. However, this had to be revalidated since a contract had not yet been issued before the funding lapsed.
The blogsite MaxDefense Philippines claims that the winning contender is Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI)
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs]()
Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs
The $510 million partnership will see Hanwha invest to co-develop and manufacture the Gray Eagle STOL, with a maiden flight test expected by 2027.
-
![Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase]()
Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase
The potential sale, approved by the US to the Philippines, is for 20 F-16 Block 70/72 jets, days after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited the country.
-
![Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft]()
Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft
The acquisition of four C-390 aircraft follows the country’s signing of an MoU in 2023 and formal selection in 2024. It will join the existing contract held by the Netherlands and Austria.
