US presents 2 new ISR aircraft to PHL
US OFFICIALS on Thursday, July 27, turned over to the Philippines two new aircraft with ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capability, a statement by the US Embassy said.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim, joined by Lt. Gen. Bryan Fenton, Deputy Commander of the Pacific Command, presented Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana with two new Cessna 208B aircraft during a transfer ceremony at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on July 27.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo M. Año and Philippine Air Force (PAF) Chief Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina also took part in the ceremony.
The embassy said this delivery is the latest donation from the United States government, adding that over the last five years, the US has allocated more than P15 billion of grant funding to provide the AFP with up-to-date equipment and training.
The PAF’s 300th Air Intelligence and Security Group (300 AISG), based out of Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga, will operate the two new C-208B aircraft, the statement said. 300 AISG is the leading unit for air intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance operations for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“The Cessna 208B aircraft will enhance the PAF’s counterterrorism capabilities, and help protect AFP members actively engaged in counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines, to include Marawi. Equipped with advanced sensors, cameras and communications equipment, these aircraft will significantly enhance the ability of the AFP to locate terrorist groups operating in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago,” the statement said.