CLARK FREEPORT – Two newly-acquired NC212 Light Lift Fixed-Wing Aircraft from Indonesia were formally accepted by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in a simple ceremony at the Haribon Hangar, Air Force City here at about 1 p.m. on Tuesday.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who was the guest of honor during the event, said the acquisition of the NC212 was part of the PAF’s ongoing capability upgrade under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.
Maj. Arvin Gundran, PAF Assistant Command Staff for Civil Military Operations, said the newly-acquired aircraft will further boost the air capability of the air force especially in performing HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster response) as well as security efforts.
“The new model has a carrying capacity of 28 passengers, a digital avionic and next generation autopilot. It features a ramp access, next generation navigation and communication system, as well as, cheaper operational cost,” he said.
The said aircraft is capable of taking-off and landing on unpaved runway which is perfect for the Rancudo Airfield on Pagasa Island, he added.
Gundran said the two aircraft were acquired by the Department of National Defense from PT Dirgantara Indonesia as part of the Light Lift Fixed-Wing Acquisition project of the PAF under the AFP modernization program.
Prior to the delivery of the aircraft, PAF pilots received all the training needed on the instruments and technical conditions at PT Dirgantara Indonesia.
According to reports, PT DI commerce and restructuring director Budiman Saleh said the purchasing contract of the two NC212i aircraft, including their spare parts, was worth $19 million.
PAF said the NC212i aircraft can also be used strategically for producing artificial rain, maritime patrol and coast guard patrol.
It can also be utilized for the following missions: passenger and troop transport, cargo/logistic transport, anti-smuggling control, immigration control, search and rescue, paratroop dropping, and medical evacuation.
The multipurpose plane is the first Indonesian aircraft ordered by the Philippines and is the latest generation of the NC212.
