The world’s leading aircraft manufacturer Airbus is set to deliver two more C295M airlifter aircraft in the Philippines to support the defense sector.
Airbus has so far delivered five C295 airlifters and one aircraft is set for delivery this year and another one in early 2023, Johan Pelissier, head of Asia Pacific, Airbus defence and space, said in a virtual press briefing held ahead of the Asian Defence & Security exhibition in Manila.
Pelissier said the Philippines is an important market for Airbus, where the company has been present with a physical footprint in the local aerospace industry for over four decades.
Airbus yesterday led the military tactical segment, with a fleet of five C295 airlifters supporting the Philippine Air Force.
Citing the success of the C295 program in the region which represents nearly 30 percent of the global orders acquired by military agencies, Pelissier said the Philippine Air Force use Airbus’ fleet of C295 extensively for humanitarian and airlift missions across the archipelago, especially in recent times supporting COVID-19 aid and disaster relief.
“The Philippine Air Force’s active use of the C295 has fully demonstrated it as a reference user of the tactical airlifter in the region,” Pelissier said.
Beyond its tactical airlifting capability, Pelissier expressed confidence the C295 MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) can augment the Philippines’ maritime security readiness.
“The C295 is already widely recognized in the country for its airlifting prowess, representing the best combination of value and capability. It is also designed for demanding MPA missions. With a proven track record in similar operations, the C295 MPA offers the lowest risks, yet the best acquisition, operating and life-cycle costs in its category,” said Pelissier.
The C295 MPA is equipped with Airbus’ ingenious state-of-the-art mission system — Fully Integrated Tactical System and comprehensive sensor suites — making it the only military MPA platform in-service today that is highly robust and tactically ready at any time.
Meanwhile, Pelissier said Airbus is in discussion with the Philippines for possible purchase of Airbus 400M that will complement the C295.
According to Pelissier, the larger transport aircraft such as the A400M were effectively deployed to support critical missions including the Kabul airlift operative, and most recently to fill the gap left by the unavailability of the Antonov for out-sized cargo.
“The A400M has been used substantially in Southeast Asia for search and rescue, medevac, humanitarian and strategic transportation missions. Two A400M aircraft recently transported a fleet of helicopters to the Philippine Air Force all the way from Turkey, underscoring its heavy lifting capability as a front-line airlifter,” said Pelissier.
“With growing needs in the region, including the Philippines, for fleet modernisation and renewal of legacy assets, we believe Airbus is well placed to offer an A400M-C295 strong mixed fleet solution to support both strategic and tactical requirements,” Pelissier added.
