US to provide three longer-range aircraft to Philippine Coast Guard for South China Sea surveillance
How will new longer-range aircraft boost Manila’s South China Sea surveillance?
The US Navy awarded a US$39.6 million contract on September 28 for three second-hand extended-range King Air 350-series aircraft for the Philippine Coast Guard, two of them modified for improved surveillance. The aircraft will be fitted with extended-range fuel systems and upgraded avionics, giving Manila greater reach and endurance to monitor Chinese coastguard, naval and research vessels across the South China Sea.
美国向菲律宾海岸警卫队提供三架远程飞机加强南海监控
美国海军于9月28日签署一份价值3960万美元的合同，向菲律宾海岸警卫队提供三架二手延程型空王350系列飞机，其中两架经过改装以增强监控能力。这些飞机将配备延程燃油系统和升级版航电设备，使菲律宾能够更有效地监控中国海警、海军和科研船只在南海的活动。
The aircraft give the Philippines new long-endurance surveillance reach over disputed waters, directly enhancing its ability to track Chinese vessels.
Source: SCMP China · scmp.com