Air Force's first C295 aircraft arriving March

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force's cargo and transportation capability will soon have another boost with the arrival of its first C295 military transport aircraft this month.

"Our first C295 will be arriving this March," Defense Undersecretary for Finance Fernando Manalo said in a state news interview Tuesday.

The arrival of twin-turbopop tactical plane is five months earlier than expected, with the two other units to follow later this year.

Manalo, however, refused to specify the date of the units' arrival, citing security reasons.

Spanish manufacturer EADS/CASA-Airbus Military last year won the bidding for the Department of National Defense's aircraft program pegged at P5.3 billion.

Foreign militaries have also used the C295 as a maritime patrol or surveillance aircraft.

Airbus has dubbed the C295 as a "tactical workhorse" and the "most capable and versatile transport and surveillance aircraft."

The C295 can carry up to nine tons of cargo or 71 personnel and moves at a maximum cruise speed of 480 kilometers per hour reaching up to 25,000 feet.

It has also been hailed as fuel-efficient and it costs less to operate and maintain.