CAAP bolsters airport safety with deployment of high-tech Oshkosh fire trucks

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has begun deploying state-of-the-art Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles to key regional airports. This move marks a pivotal milestone in the Authority’s nationwide modernization program to elevate emergency response standards across the archipelago.

On Saturday, April 19, 2026, an Oshkosh Striker 6×6 Fire Truck arrived at Laoag International Airport. This followed the successful delivery of a sister unit to Puerto Princesa International Airport just a day prior, on April 18.

The introduction of these elite ARFF units is designed to ensure maximum operational readiness. Each vehicle is a powerhouse of firefighting technology, featuring:

• 12,500-Liter Water Capacity: Massive storage for prolonged suppression efforts.

• 1,750 Liters of AFFF: Specialized Aqueous Film Forming Foam for tackling volatile jet fuel fires.

• 250kg Dry Chemical Powder (DCP): Critical for suppressing electrical and chemical-based hazards.

Under the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, CAAP is executing a multi-phase overhaul of its rescue fleet. The current plan identifies a total requirement of 46 ARFF units, with 16 units earmarked for procurement within this year alone.

Following the successful arrivals in Laoag and Puerto Princesa, the next phase of deployment will target the following strategic hubs:

“This initiative is not just about upgrading equipment; it is about our commitment to passenger safety and the resilience of our aviation infrastructure,” CAAP stated. “By equipping our regional airports with world-class technology, we ensure a rapid and effective response to any aviation-related emergency.”