How will new longer-range aircraft boost Manila’s South China Sea surveillance?
The Philippine Coast Guard will receive three longer-range aircraft from the US, two of them modified for improved surveillance, giving Manila greater reach and endurance to monitor Chinese coastguard, naval and research vessels across the South China Sea.
Under a US$39.6 million contract awarded by the United States Navy on September 28, the three second-hand, extended-range King Air 350-series aircraft will be fitted with extended-range fuel systems, upgraded Garmin avionics and high-frequency radios.
Two will also carry King Air Maritime Domain Awareness intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. The work is expected to be completed by September 2028.
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Observers said the twin-turboprop aircraft could allow the coastguard to reach distant patrol areas – such as Scarborough Shoal, the Spratly Islands and waters around Batanes in the northern Philippines – more quickly, and remain over them for longer.
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