United States to provide surveillance aircraft to the Philippines

The United States is transferring three King Air 350 Extended Range aircraft to the Philippine Coast Guard to enhance maritime domain awareness. The Pentagon awarded a $39.6 million contract to Virginia-based Technology Service Corp. to procure the aircraft and integrate intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) kits.

Two of the three turboprop aircraft will be equipped with specialized ISR hardware and software, allowing crews to track ships, collect imagery, and share real-time data. The contract also includes sensor operator training, technical manuals, and ferry flights to the Philippines. All three aircraft will feature extended-range fuel tanks and upgraded avionics.

This transfer follows an agreement reached in February 2026 and is intended to strengthen the Philippines’ intelligence-gathering capabilities amid rising regional tensions in the South China Sea. The project is funded through foreign military sales and is expected to be completed by September 2028.