Philippine Air Force Revives C-130 Hercules After Extensive Maintenance

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) proudly declared the return of a Lockheed C-130 Hercules to active duty on February 12, 2025, following a rigorous four-month maintenance overhaul. The aircraft, with the tail number 5040, was officially handed back into service during a ceremony at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on February 5, 2025. Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo, the PAF spokesperson, highlighted the event as a significant achievement in the force’s ongoing efforts to bolster its operational capabilities. The maintenance, which spanned from October 21, 2024, to February 4, 2025, underscores the PAF’s dedication to self-sufficiency in aircraft upkeep and readiness for both national security and humanitarian endeavors. With five C-130s in its fleet, the PAF’s successful restoration of this aircraft reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a strong and prepared fleet for national defense and disaster response missions.