The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has decommissioned its last two pairs of AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters and OV-10 Bronco light attack aircraft.
The aircraft were primarily used in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the Southeast Asian archipelago.
During the formal decommissioning ceremony conducted by the 15th Strike Wing at the Major Danilo Atienza Air Base in Sangley Point, Cavite, the service announced that it signed a deal to acquire six new A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft.
Cobra Chopper
The Bell AH-1S Cobras were the PAF’s inaugural pair of attack helicopters, which provided close air support during counter-insurgency operations in Abra and Cagayan.
They were donated to the Philippines by Jordan in late 2019 after serving in the Royal Jordanian Air Force and Israeli Air Force.
Rockwell Broncos
The Broncos, meanwhile, served for 33 years since entering service in 1991, notably used during the Philippines’ campaign against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the 2000 Operation Thunder Bolt.
They were also used for air strikes against Abu Sayyaf during the 2001 Basilan missions and 2006 Sulu operations.
The Bronco fighter jets continued to be employed in counter-terrorism operations on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, particularly conducting close air support for Philippine troops against the Islamic State and Maute rebels during the 2017 Battle of Marawi.
The Southeast Asian country acquired these aircraft from the US and Thailand.
