The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is set to acquire six new A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, as it recently decommissioned old attack aircraft and helicopters.
The Philippine Air Force’s 15th Strike Wing held a retirement ceremony for its last two remaining Rockwell OV-10 Bronco light attack aircraft and two AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters on December 28, 2024.
The 15th Strike Wing posted photos of the ceremony on its Facebook page, calling the aircraft retirement the “end of an era.”
The AH-1S Cobra was the Philippine Air Force’s first dedicated attack helicopter. The helicopter arrived on November 26 2019, and was donated by King Abdullah II of Jordan to support internal security and counter-terrorism efforts.
Meanwhile, the North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco, a twin-turboprop, multi-role aircraft, was introduced in November 1991 and served the Philippine Air Force for over three decades.
“The service of the Bronco and Cobra is marked by countless missions and operations, this firmly stands as a testament to the dedication and bravery of the pilots and crew who flew and maintained them,” the PAF said in its post. “As they end their era in the skies of the Philippine Air Force, we positively move forward, building on the lessons learned and the successes achieved during the distinguished careers of these reputable platforms.”
On December 31, 2024, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that the PAF would acquire six brand new A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to boost the military’s surveillance and counterinsurgency missions.
This was corroborated by Embraer, who announced via a Facebook post that an “undisclosed customer” placed a firm order for six light attack and advanced trainer A-29 Super Tucanos. Embraer said that this order will be included in the 2024 4th quarter backlog, and deliveries are scheduled to take place in 2026.
On December 13, 2024, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the strong commitment of his administration to modernize the AFP, vowing to transform the AFP into a “world class force.”
“To all the members of the AFP, be assured that this Administration remains committed to transforming our AFP into a world-class force that is a source of national pride and national security,” Marcos said. “We will modernize your equipment, enhance your training programs, ensure that you are equipped to face challenges not just of today, but also of the future.”