THE United States turned over four Cessna 172 Skylark planes to the Philippine Naval Air Wing based in Sangley Point, Cavite on February 10 as part of a P298.1-million ($5.8 million) grant under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program.
The Cessna planes will be used to train new naval aviators, as well as maintain skills of current pilots and the technical expertise of aviation mechanics.
“This project displays [our commitment to] Philippine partners to invest in their long-term success,” said US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava. “Together, [both countries] will continue to make great strides in the pursuit of a free and open maritime environment.”
The delivery completed the transfer of the four Cessna planes that arrived and were reassembled on location in December 2021. Prior to the aircraft’s handover, the US provided pilot and mechanic training to 24 Philippine service members in Kansas City in August and September 2021.
The entire package also included the shipment of spare parts and an integral logistics-support package. It will conclude with the scheduled delivery of three US-sourced Robinson R44 helicopters in late 2022.
“These air assets will significantly improve the navy’s ability to prepare naval pilots for the crucial task of monitoring and safeguarding our maritime territories and domain,” said Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana. “As we rejoice over this milestone, we also recognize the productive and enduring relationship between the US and the Philippines, which is the key to the success of this acquisition program.”
Lorenzana added: “We acknowledge our shared commitment to help preserve the peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.”
In the last two years the US has provided P5.65 billion ($110 million) in grant assistance through FMF, specifically to support the Philippines’s sovereignty and modernization efforts.
Image credits: US Embassy