3 more Beechcraft TC90 aircraft from Japan due today

The Philippine Navy will formally receive today three more units of the Beechcraft TC90 aircraft from the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD), through the Japan Maritime SelfDefense Force (JMSDF), in a transfer ceremony at the headquarters of the Naval Air Group (NAG), Naval Base Haracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City.

Naval Public Affairs Office Director Captain Lued L. Lincuna said Defense Secretary Delfin LorenBEIJING

zana will witness the turnover together with Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda and delegates from JMOD and JMSDF. The transfer ceremony will start at 7 a.m.

“These TC90 aircraft are in addition to the two units previously transferred to the Philippine Navy last year and will complete the whole project involving five units of TC90 aircraft pursuant to the agreement between the Philippines and Japan,” Lincuna said.

The Philippine Navy had earlier said the aircraft donated by Japan would help boost the Naval Air Group Air Operations and Maritime Air Surveillance capabilities.

The aircraft would also enhance the skills of the naval aviators and maintenance personnel in handling modern equipment.

The two units of Beechcraft TC90 training aircraft arrived in March, 2017 also at the Naval Air Group (NAG), Naval Base Haracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City.

On March 19, the Philippine Navy through the Naval Air Group (NAG) conducted an Activation and Blessing Ceremony for the 2nd Beechcraft King Air C90 Aircraft at the Naval Air Group, Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City, with Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Danilo R. Rodelas.

With the completion of the installation of its navigational equipment and paintings, the 2nd C90 aircraft is ready for operation.

The activity was formally opened by Captain Juario C. Marayag, the commander of the Naval Air Group, who emphasized the worthiness and usefulness of NV390 (C90 Aircraft) in maritime air surveillance which is vital in producing critical and sensitive information necessary for maritime situational awareness.

The first C90 aircraft was activated last November 21, 2017, and made its maiden flight conducting Maritime Air Surveillance at Bajo de Masinloc on January 31, 2018, under the Operational Control of the Northern Luzon Command.