The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has formally signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the acquisition of three King Air aircraft from the United States, marking a major boost to its maritime patrol and search-and-rescue capabilities.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan signed the agreement during a bilateral meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of War for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs John Noh in Makati City on Feb. 16.

The acquisition is expected to significantly enhance the PCG’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, particularly amid heightened maritime incidents in the West Philippine Sea and recent sea tragedies, including the sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan on Jan. 26.

PCG officials said the additional aircraft will allow faster aerial surveillance, wider coverage, and more efficient response to distress calls at sea.

Beyond the aircraft deal, Gavan and Noh also discussed the Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System Program, a U.S. Coast Guard-developed tool that uses environmental data modeling and simulation technology to improve search planning and increase the probability of locating persons in distress.

The meeting also tackled broader U.S. support for PCG modernization, including sustained maritime domain awareness operations in the West Philippine Sea, reinforcing the coast guard-to-coast guard cooperation under the Philippines–United States alliance.

In a historic first, Gavan announced that the PCG will participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise — becoming the first foreign coast guard to join the multinational maritime drills since their inception.

The developments underscore what both sides described as a shared commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region.