Philippine Air Force acquires two ATR72 patrol aircraft

The Philippines has confirmed the acquisition of two Leonardo ATR72-600 aircraft to fulfil a task as Long Range Patrol Aircraft (LRPA). For that purpose the country has signed a contract with the Israeli company Elbit Systems. It is estimated that the contract is valued at USD 114 Million. The main competitor in this tender for Elbit was Airbus with its P295MPA/MSA platform.

Elbit will equip the aircraft with amongst others; a Mission Management System, Electro-Optics, Radar, SIGINT and Communication systems. It was not specified if anti-submarine warfare equipment is part of the deal so it remains unclear if the Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas (PHAF, Philippine Air Force) can add ASW capabilities to its mission.

This acquisition is a further step in the extensive project of the Philippines to modernise and expand its armed forces in the light of growing tensions in the South China Sea.

According to Israel's Ambassador to Manilla the first aircraft will already be delivered in 2025. The two ATRs will be added to the 300th Air Intelligence & Security Wing stationed at Antonio Bautista Air Base at Palawan.

Credit photo (just illustrative): Alfonso Mino (Scramble Archive)