US OKs sale of two C-130 planes to Phl

MANILA, Philippines - The US State Department has approved the sale of two C-130 cargo planes to the Philippines that would further boost the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The package has an estimated cost of $61 million or P2.67 billion and would include equipment, parts, training and three-year logistical support, a statement by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.

The sale of the C-130 planes, long regarded as a workhorse of the Philippine Air Force, will have to be approved by the US Congress.

“The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 23, 2014,” DSCA, an agency under the US defense department, said.

DSCA said the Philippines had requested a possible sale from the defense department stock of two airplanes and 10 T56-16 engines.

“This proposed sale would contribute to US security and foreign policy goals by building the Philippines’ maritime domain security capacity and deepening our overall strategic partnership with the Philippines,” the agency said.

“The proposed sale of these aircraft and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” it added.

Last month, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang said the Philippines might receive the two C-130 planes next year.