THE Philippine Air Force (PAF) is scheduled to receive the first of two long-range patrol aircraft (LRPA) next year from Israel’s Elbit Systems Ltd., expanding the command’s capabilities to patrol the country’s territory.
Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said initial delivery of the aircraft is expected by mid-2025, based on the timeline of the signed contract.
His statement confirmed Elbit Systems’ announcement in July 2023 that it won the $114-million contract to supply two units of LRPA “equipped with an advanced and comprehensive mission suite” to an Asia-Pacific country.
The two LRPAs will be based on the new ATR 72-600 and the suite includes a mission management system, electro-optics, radar, SIGINT (signals intelligence) and communication, among others, Elbit Systems said at the time. The contract will be carried out over a period of five years.
The National Security Agency of the United States defines SIGINT as intelligence or information derived from electronic signals and systems used by foreign targets.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline PAF acquires two Israeli-made LRPA
