Philippines to procure three C-130J-30 transport aircraft

A Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 transport aircraft performs a tactical take-off from an unprepared runway. (Lockheed Martin Aeronautics)

The Department of National Defense (DND) in Manila has announced plans to procure three Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules medium-lift transport aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The DND said on 17 October that it has issued a ‘notice to proceed' with the procurement and awarded the project to Lockheed Martin. It said deliveries are scheduled for July 2026, October 2026, and January 2027 respectively. The new aircraft will augment the PAF's existing fleet of various C-130-type aircraft.

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said, “The additional cargo space of the C-130J-30, coupled with the reliability of C-130 aircraft we have in our current fleet, will provide our air force with greater operational flexibility.”

“These features will empower our PAF to meet the demands of the AFP's [Armed Forces of the Philippines'] tactical missions more effectively,” he added.

The value of the contract was not disclosed but the official Philippine News Agency (PNA) indicated the cost was about PHP22.2 billion (USD390 million).

Lockheed Martin confirmed the deal on 19 October. It said the contract will proceed through the US direct commercial sale mechanism.

At the time of publication the PAF had not responded to Janes questions about the procurement.