This article summarizes reporting by USNI News and Aaron-Matthew Lariosa.

Philippines to Acquire King Air 360ER Surveillance Aircraft in $400M Contract Modification

The Philippine military is set to significantly upgrade its maritime patrol capabilities through a newly modified U.S. Department of Defense contract. According to reporting by USNI News, the Philippines has been identified as a key beneficiary in a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement awarded to Textron Aviation Inc., which will see the delivery of advanced surveillance aircraft to the archipelago nation.

The deal is part of a broader Contracts modification that raises the budgetary ceiling for Textron’s services from $99.7 million to $400 million. While the contract covers requirements for multiple U.S. partners, documents cited by USNI News confirm that the Philippines specifically requires support for two Beechcraft King Air 360 Extended Range (ER) aircraft, alongside sustainment for Cessna 208B Grand Caravan platforms.

This Orders comes at a critical juncture for Manila, as tensions in the South China Sea continue to necessitate improved domain awareness. The introduction of the King Air 360ER will provide the Philippine Air Force (PAF) with a dedicated, modern manned surveillance platform capable of extended operations over disputed waters.

Contract Specifications and Scope

The procurement is structured through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, a mechanism that facilitates the transfer of defense articles and services to allied nations. The contract modification, announced by the U.S. Army Contracting Command earlier this month, outlines “specific requirements and services” for the procurement of Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft.

Aircraft Allocation

Based on the contract documents reviewed by USNI News, the specific allocation for the Philippines includes:

• Two (2) Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft, configured for surveillance missions.
• Support and sustainment for the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan fleet.

The contract modification to $400 million reflects a significant expansion in scope, allowing Textron Aviation to meet the diverse needs of several international partners, including Bangladesh and Cameroon. However, the inclusion of the King Air 360ER for the Philippines marks a distinct capability leap for the PAF, which has historically relied on aging fixed-wing assets and donated equipment for similar roles.

Technical Capabilities: The King Air 360ER

The Beechcraft King Air 360ER represents the latest generation of the legendary turboprop family, offering performance metrics well-suited for the maritime geography of the Philippines. Unlike the standard variants, the “Extended Range” model is engineered for long-endurance missions, a critical requirement for patrolling the vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea.

Range and Endurance

According to Manufacturers specifications, the King Air 360ER boasts a ferry range exceeding 2,600 nautical miles. In an operational surveillance configuration, this allows the aircraft to remain airborne for more than 12 hours, depending on the payload and mission profile. This endurance is vital for the PAF, enabling persistent “eyes on the horizon” over distant features such as the Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal without the need for frequent refueling.

Surveillance Configuration

While specific sensor suites for this contract have not been publicly detailed, aircraft of this class are typically outfitted with:

• Maritime Search Radars: Belly-mounted Radar-Systems capable of detecting surface vessels from significant distances.
• EO/IR Turrets: Electro-optical and infrared cameras for day and night visual identification of targets.
• Data Links: Secure communications equipment to transmit real-time video and data feeds to ground stations or naval vessels.

The aircraft also features an updated cockpit with the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion Avionics suite, which reduces pilot workload and improves situational awareness during complex missions.

Strategic Context: The P-SSAR Roadmap

This acquisition aligns with the recently established Philippines-Security Sector Assistance Roadmap (P-SSAR). Signed in July 2024, the roadmap outlines the priority defense platforms the United States intends to help the Philippines acquire over the next five to ten years. The delivery of new-production aircraft like the King Air 360ER serves as a materialization of this bilateral commitment.

The deal also follows the allocation of $500 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) by the U.S. to the Philippines in mid-2024. This funding was designated to boost territorial defense capabilities amidst what defense officials describe as a period of “strategic hardening” by Beijing in the region.

Complementing the Existing Fleet

Currently, the Philippine Air Force operates a limited number of Cessna 208B Grand Caravans, some of which were donated by the U.S. government in previous years. While the C-208B is a rugged and capable platform for short-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), it lacks the speed, altitude, and endurance of the King Air 360ER.

The PAF also utilizes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as the Boeing ScanEagle and Elbit Hermes. However, manned aircraft offer distinct advantages in complex maritime environments, including the ability for on-board crew to make immediate command decisions and visually verify targets that sensors might misidentify.

AirPro News Analysis

The shift from receiving donated, used equipment to procuring factory-new assets like the King Air 360ER signals a maturation in the U.S.-Philippines defense relationship. For years, the PAF has operated a patchwork fleet of surveillance assets. This acquisition suggests a move toward standardization and higher operational readiness.

Operationally, the King Air 360ER fills a critical gap between the short-range Cessna 208Bs and the high-altitude, strategic surveillance that might be provided by allies. In the context of the “gray zone” tactics often employed in the South China Sea, where coast guard and maritime militia vessels operate aggressively, having a persistent, manned aerial presence allows the Philippines to document incursions with high-fidelity evidence. This capability is essential not just for defense, but for the “transparency strategy” Manila has adopted to publicize incidents at sea.

Furthermore, the dual-use nature of these aircraft cannot be overstated. In a nation prone to typhoons and natural disasters, the King Air’s ability to rapidly survey damage and coordinate relief efforts adds a layer of domestic utility that often secures broad political support for such defense expenditures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program?

The FMS program is a form of security assistance authorized by the U.S. Arms Export Control Act. It allows the U.S. government to sell defense articles and services to foreign countries, often handling the procurement and contracting processes on behalf of the partner nation.

How does the King Air 360ER differ from the Cessna 208B?

The King Air 360ER is a twin-engine turboprop with a pressurized cabin, offering higher speeds, higher service ceilings, and significantly longer range compared to the single-engine, unpressurized Cessna 208B. This makes the King Air better suited for long-duration maritime patrols.

When will the aircraft be delivered?

Specific delivery timelines were not disclosed in the initial contract announcement. However, aircraft procurement contracts typically involve a production and modification lead time of 18 to 24 months.

Sources

• USNI News
• Aaron-Matthew Lariosa