How will new longer-range aircraft boost Manila’s South China Sea surveillance?
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The more ‘other countries aid the Philippines, the more likely that they will take an interest’ in the waters, analyst says.

The Philippine Coast Guard will receive three longer-range aircraft from the US, two of them modified for improved surveillance, giving Manila greater reach and endurance to monitor Chinese coastguard, naval and research vessels across the South China Sea. Under a US$39.6 million contract awarded by the United States Navy on September 28, the three second-hand, extended-range King Air 350-series aircraft will be fitted with extended-range fuel systems, upgraded Garmin avionics and high-frequency…

Sea area: South China Sea · Region: Pacific Ocean
Country: US
Category: Naval activity, Capability & shipbuilding
Source: SCMP China · 7 Oct 2026