The Philippines is set to acquire additional C-130 aircraft, said the Department of National Defense on Tuesday.

This development came after the DND issued a Notice to Proceed for acquiring the three C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft to be used by the Philippine Air Force.

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the acquisition started in 2021 under the Second Horizon of the Armed Forces of the Philippine Modernization Program.

Andolong said the project was awarded to Lockheed Martin, an American aerospace, arms defense, information security, and technology corporation.

"The additional cargo space of the C-130J-30, coupled with the reliability of C-130 aircraft we have in our current fleet, will provide our Air Force with greater operational flexibility," he added.

These new air assets will be delivered in July 2026, October 2026, and January 2027.

"These features will empower our PAF to meet the demands of the AFP's tactical missions more effectively," Andolong said.

The PAF is currently operating with mixed fleets of C-130—as seen as vital to supporting the AFP Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and military operations.

"The addition of the C-130J-30 to the inventory is a significant leap forward in achieving a credible defense posture," said Andolong.