Navy gets 4 new Cessna trainer planes

The Philippine Navy got four new Cessna trainer aircraft worth $2.2 million (P112.75 million) from the United States to better prepare the major service command in safeguarding the country’s maritime territories. The aircraft were handed over to the Navy a day after China’s defense ministry held a ceremonial turnover of some P1 billion worth of military and disaster relief equipment to the Department of National Defense. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday led the turnover, blessing and activation rites for the Cessna 172S Skyhawk trainer aircraft at Sangley Point, Cavite. US Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava was present at the event where the aircraft, procured through the US foreign military financing program, were formally given to the Naval Air Wing. Lorenzana highlighted huge strides in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program this year, particularly in the Navy. He cited the deal signed recently for the acquisition of BrahMos cruise missiles. He also noted the anticipated delivery of eight frigates with surface-to-surface missile capability and two fast-attack interdiction craft missile. —JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE