US delivers weapons for PH Air Force amid Marawi crisis

Members of both the US and Philippine armies unload and inspect a delivery of 992 2.75 inch rockets from the U.S. to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Clark Air Base, Pampanga. Photo courtesy of the US Embassy in Manila.

The United States has turned over rocket motors and rockets to the Philippine Air Forces to aid in the government’s counterterrorism efforts.

The US Embassy in Manila said on Saturday that “officials from the Joint United States Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) recently delivered 1,040 2.75” rocket motors and 992 2.75″ rockets to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) through the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA).”

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“These timely transfers greatly enhance the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) counterterrorism efforts,” the statement said, adding that munitions and weapons from the US will help AFP members “actively engaged in counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines, including Marawi.”

It said the latest delivery is part of a “series of upcoming transfers from the US military to multiple branches of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) through both MLSA and the security assistance program.”

“Through the MLSA, the AFP is able to receive select munitions and equipment from US military stock in an accelerated process reserved for allies and close partners of the United States,” the Embassy said.

It said future deliveries include 250 rocket-propelled grenade launchers and 1,000 M203 grenade launchers delivered for the Philippine Army.

“The United States is a proud and steadfast ally of the Philippines and will continue to provide support to the AFP’s long-term modernization goals and counterterrorism needs,” the Embassy said.