New Beechcraft King Air aircraft for Philippine Coast Guard
The Tanod Baybayin ng Pilipinas (PCG, Philippine Coast Guard) is to receive three Textron Beechcraft King Air turboprops. Manila and the Pentagon signed a signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for these aircraft and some former US Coast Guard patrol vessels on 16 February 2026.
With these new aircraft, the PCG enlarges its capabilities for maritime reconnaissance in the vast maritime waters surrounding the archipelagic nation. The exact variant of the King Airs, their price and delivery dates have not yet been disclosed.
Currently, Textron Aviation (Beechcraft) is building new King Air turboprops in three main versions: the King Air 260, King Air 360, and King Air 360ER, all representing the latest production variants of the long-running King Air family. For a coast guard maritime reconnaissance mission profile, the King Air 360ER is the most likely new-build variant.
Once delivered, they will join the compact fleet of the PCG consisting of, amongst others, Britten Norman BN-2A-21 Islanders, a Cessna Ce208B EX aircraft and two Airbus H145 helicopters.
Credit photo: Textron Aviation (Beechcraft)