PCG Fixed and Rotary Aircraft

[Herbie]

Hoping this to be a catch all topic for the Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing Aircraft of the Philippine Coast Guard given their far and few aircraft acquisitions.

[Herbie]

As of Feb 2023, seems that Islander aircraft 4177, and 2169 are still not in flying condition evwn though they started to have a budget feom 2020. Hopefully, all four (251, 684, 4177, 2169) of the PCG Islanders will be in flying condition this 2023 together with the lone Cessna Caravan EX.

The LET 410NG budget was not used last year. According to the PCG, it has a scheduled “bidding” this Feb 2023.

The 7 unit helicopter Maritime Disaster Rescue Helicopter Acquistiion Project is still gathering dust at the NEDA for final approval. The current 2 units of H145 are still looking good with a budget to purchase blade folding kits this year.

Still no news of the 1 unit of Light Trainer Helicopter that was bidded out and failed all 3 times last 2020.

[Herbie]

PCG Islander aircraft 4177 and 2169 were transferred from the PNP-SAF Air Unit.

[Herbie]

During the 2020 Budget preparations, the PCG requested 750 million for Multipurpose fixed-wing aircraft  But only 250 million were given resulting in the Cessna Caravan 2081.

Interesting to note that given this budget for one new aircraft, that same year, a budget was requested and given to start the refurbishment of Islander 4177 for PhP 55 million. For 2021, 2022, and 2023 there still a budget for 4177 to make it airworthy. Not clear/no open source information when 4177 will fly.

For Islander 2169, starting 2021 it had been allotted a budget also. It also had a 2022 and 2023 allotment. Again, not clear when will it be airworthy.

[Herbie]

Again during the 2020 Budget preparations, the PCG started to request a separate budget for a Multirole Aircraft with a total budget of 2 billion.

In 2021, Rep. Bingo Matugas, District Representative
Surigao del Norte fiiled a House Resolution to increase 2022 PCG Funding for aircraft acquisition by PhP 2.4 Billion. 1.6 billion was added to the final 2022 PCG budget for LET 410NG acquisition.

For some reason in 2022, the LET 410NG acquisition didn't push through.

This 2023, that acquisition is scheduled for February 2023. No news yet. Does anyone know or have any news?

[Herbie]

Again during the 2020 Budget preparations, the PCG requested 120 million for Light Helicopters.  But only 40 million were given. It was bidded out and failed all 3 times last 2020. Does anyone have any news on this?

[Herbie]

Based on “15-YEAR PCG AIR COMPONENT ACQUISITION PLAN“ around 2005, their plan was to get:

6 - Fixed Wing Maritime Patrol Aircraft
2 - Fixed Wing Multirole Amphibious
5 - Multirole Helicopter

This was before the 2009 study for the Maritime Disaster Response Helicopter Acquisition Project (7-8 helicopters needed) and the illegal artificial islands made by China in our EEZ.