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Philippine Air Force receives first of three new C-295 airlifters

Philippine Air Force C295
Photo: Airbus

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has taken delivery of the first of three new C-295 medium lift aircraft at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

The aircraft arrived in the Philippines on March 28 from Spain, where it was built by Airbus Defense.

The newest airframe brings the total number of C-295s in the Philippine Air Force fleet to four, after the final of the first batch of airlifters was delivered in 2016.

According to the Philippine Air Force, the 220th Airlift Wing of the Air Mobility Command will operate these aircraft which will be used to transport troops and equipment across the country.

Philippines is one of over 30 operators of the C-295. The aircraft is used for tactical transport of up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers, and for logistic operations to locations that are not accessible to heavier aircraft. It can airdrop paratroops and loads, and also be used for casualty or medical evacuation (medevac), as demonstrated during the COVID-19 crisis, using either basic litters or mobile intensive care units (ICU) with life support equipment. The aircraft can perform special missions as well as disaster response and maritime patrol duties.