![]()
**Philippine Air Force Retires OV-10 Bronco and AH-1S Cobra Aircraft Following Decades of Counter-Insurgency Service**
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has officially retired its fleet of OV-10 Bronco light attack aircraft and AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters, marking the end of an era for two platforms that played pivotal roles in the country’s counter-insurgency and territorial defense operations. After decades of service, these aircraft are being phased out as part of the PAF’s modernization efforts, which aim to replace aging assets with more advanced and capable systems.
### A Legacy of Service: OV-10 Bronco
The North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco, a twin-turboprop light attack and observation aircraft, has been a workhorse for the PAF since its introduction in the early 1990s. Originally designed for counter-insurgency (COIN) missions during the Vietnam War, the OV-10 proved to be a versatile and reliable platform for the Philippines, particularly in its fight against insurgent groups such as the New People’s Army (NPA), Abu Sayyaf, and other extremist organizations.
The OV-10’s ability to operate from short and unpaved runways, combined with its capacity for close air support, reconnaissance, and forward air control, made it an invaluable asset in the PAF’s arsenal. Over the years, the aircraft was deployed in numerous operations, including the liberation of Marawi City in 2017, where it provided precision airstrikes against ISIS-inspired militants.
However, after more than three decades of service, the OV-10 fleet has become increasingly difficult and costly to maintain. Spare parts have become scarce, and the aircraft’s aging airframes have raised safety concerns. The PAF has decided to retire the OV-10s in favor of more modern platforms, such as the Embraer A-29B Super Tucano, which offers enhanced capabilities for COIN missions and is better suited to the demands of modern warfare.
### The AH-1S Cobra: A Trusted Attack Helicopter
The AH-1S Cobra, a single-engine attack helicopter developed by Bell Helicopter, was another key asset in the PAF’s counter-insurgency operations. Acquired from the United States in the early 2010s, the AH-1S provided the PAF with a dedicated attack helicopter capable of delivering precision firepower in support of ground troops.
The Cobra’s agility, firepower, and ability to operate in challenging environments made it a valuable tool in the fight against insurgent groups. Armed with a 20mm cannon, Hydra 70 rockets, and TOW anti-tank missiles, the AH-1S was instrumental in providing close air support during critical operations, including those in Mindanao and other conflict-prone regions.
Despite its effectiveness, the AH-1S Cobra faced similar challenges to the OV-10 Bronco in terms
