Philippine Air Force Retires OV-10 Broncos and AH-1S Cobra Helicopters
The retired OV-10 Broncos and AH-1S Cobras have been replaced by more modern platforms – the TAI T129 ATAK attack helicopter and the EMBRAER A-29B Super Tucano.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) 15th Strike Wing has officially retired two Bell AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters and the last two Rockwell OV-10 Bronco light attack aircraft at Major Daniel Atienza Air Base in Sangley Point, Cavite City.
The OV-10 Broncos, introduced on November 12, 1991, served the PAF for 33 years.
The AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters, the first dedicated attack helicopters in the PAF’s inventory, were donated by King Abdullah II of Jordan and arrived on November 26, 2019, to support internal security and counter-terrorism missions.
Previously, the AH-1S Cobras were operated by the Royal Jordanian Air Force and the Israeli Air Force.
“The Cobra helicopters played a vital role in various combat missions, providing Close Air Support (CAS) during ‘Oplan Polaris II’ operations in Baggao, Cagayan, and participating in Battlefield Air Interdictions during ‘Operation Kilo Uno’ in Pantabangan, Nueva Vizcaya,” the PAF said.
Meanwhile, the OV-10 Broncos were instrumental in achieving the objectives of Operation Thunder Bolt in 2000, dismantling Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) strongholds, and participating in key campaigns, including the 2001 Basilan mission and the 2006 Sulu Archipelago offensive.
A special ceremony was held at the airbase to mark the retirement of the aircraft, attended by unit members, formation commanders and senior leaders, active and retired aircrews, as well as military families.
The retired OV-10 Broncos and AH-1S Cobras have been replaced by more modern platforms – the TAI T129 ATAK attack helicopter and the EMBRAER A-29B Super Tucano.
The 15th Strike Wing now operates these new aircraft, with the 16th Attack Squadron “Eagles” flying the A-29B Super Tucano and the 18th Attack Squadron “Falcons” operating the T129Bs developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
Following the decommissioning of the Broncos and Cobras, the Philippine Air Force will acquire six brand-new A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to enhance surveillance and counterinsurgency operations.
According to Brig. Gen. Juliano Llarenas, Commander of the PAF 15th Strike Wing, sourcing spare parts for the ageing Broncos became increasingly difficult, ultimately leading PAF leadership to retire the aircraft.
The Philippine Air Force initially received six Super Tucano light attack aircraft in 2020. Llarenas confirmed that a contract for six additional units was signed on December 27.
The Philippines was one of the last operators of the OV-10 Broncos, a legendary aircraft from the Vietnam War era.
The Broncos were deployed for maritime patrol missions over the western part of the South China Sea and engaged in various internal security operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Abu Sayyaf Group, including during the 2017 Marawi siege.
The NPA serves as the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. – DSA
