Philippines formally accepts Airbus C-295M for Command and Control missions

The new C-295M C2 aircraft of the PAF. Photo c/o PAF.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) formally received and inducted into service a newly delivered C-295M medium tactical aircraft which will be configured to a Command and Control platform at a later period.

The aircraft, which is the forth C-295M example in service with the PAF, arrived in the Philippines last October 2019 after flying from Airbus CASA’s facility in Seville, Spain. The aircraft underwent further acceptance tests before being formally accepted by the PAF.

While the aircraft was noted to be for Command and Control (C2), defense experts have noticed that absence of sophisticated C2 equipment found in other C2 aircraft. Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines noted that there are no external sensors, antennas, or signs of advanced equipment, and could only be installed with military and civilian communications radios to allow communications with military units and command posts.

It was also noted that the aircraft is to be assigned with the PAF’s 250th Presidential Airlift Wing which is in charge of transport of government head of state, leaders and VIPs. 

In a separate press conference, the Commanding General of the PAF Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez insisted that the aircraft will be used to provide C2 to government and military units in times of emergency although did confirm that it can also be used to transport VIPs, and provide airlift capabilities when needed.

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also mentioned that the PAF plans to acquire more C-295 aircraft to boost maritime security. MaxDefense Philippines believes that he was referring to the acquisition of at least two C-295ASW Persuader maritime patrol aircraft which the PAF has been pushing to acquire since 2015 under its Long Range Patrol Aircraft project, but has stalled due to funding issues.



[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Air Force Technology