Your 1st for Philippine Defense


Friday, November 8, 2013

AW109E Power accepted as PAF's Next Helicopter Gunship

The Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) recently confirmed that they have awarded a contract to the Italian-Anglo firm AgustaWestland to supply 8 so-called "Attack Helicopters" to the Philippine Air Force using its AW109E Power variant. The award was provided by DND to AgustaWestland last month after successfully passing the post-bid qualifications as set by the DND's requirements and Technical Specifications. A contract signing was also confirmed by AgustaWestland in their latest news posted in their company website, and reported in Philippine news.


The AgustaWestland AW109 Power, ordered by the PAF for its light attack helicopter requirement.
Photo taken from AgustaWestland website.

The DND also explained in an interview to DND USec. Fernando Manalo on October 28, 2013 that the purchase of similar helicopters for the navy and air force will help in the ease of maintenance, training, and acquisition of spare parts. From how Mr. Manalo explained his point, it appears that there are intentions for the PN and PAF to have a common logistics support system and training simulator facility for the AW109E.

There are no released information yet on specific line items to be included in the deal, like the engine model to be used  (the AW109 Power is powered by either 2 x Turbomeca Arrius 2K1 from France, or 2 x Pratt & Whitney PW206C engines from the USA), but it would be best to consider that they will have similar baseline specifications as the Philippine Navy's AW109E Power, which were ordered earlier as multi-role shipboard helicopters.


The Turbomeca Arrius engine, a similar model is used for the AW109 Power although we're not sure yet if the same engine will be used for the PAF's AW109 Power.
Photo from Safran-Turbomeca website.
There are also no word yet if the PAF armed variant will have its own designation later on, or will it retain the "E" designation as originally provided by AgustaWestland.


Purpose & Effectiveness:
The PAF has requested for new helicopter gunships that will complement and eventually replace the MD Helicopters MD-520MG, which has been in service since the early 1990s. At more than 20 years old, these MD-520MG's helicopters are scheduled to undergo a Mid-Life Update (MLU) program which will see them operate for 10 or so years more. The program includes capability upgrades like night flying capability, airframe re-timing and repair, engine overhaul or replacement, and mechanical/electrical system works. Some helicopters are reportedly already undergoing portions of the said MLU program, while other aircraft units are awaiting for the AW109Es to be delivered before undergoing the program. If the PAF find the AW109E capable enough and meet their requirements, we can expect additional orders to be made in the near future as possible replacement for the MD-520MG.





Like the MD-520MG, the AW109 Power's primary duty will be to provide air support to ground forces, with secondary duties to include air surveillance and search operations. But unlike the MD-520MG, the AW109E's larger size makes it capable to also do search and rescue, light transport for troops and supplies, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).

In terms of payload and weapons carrying capability, the AW109 Power are required to have at least 2 hardpoints per side for rockets and gun pods, plus 7.62mm door guns. This is more than what the MD-520MGs can carry which only has 1 hardpoint per side. The AW109 Power will be initially armed with PAF-standard rocket launchers and gun pods, but these helicopters can be upgraded and wired when required to carry anti-tank missiles and guided rockets like the Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS) which are compatible with the Hydra 70 rockets widely used by the PAF. This will be up to the PAF's decision in the future.


The guidance system for the APKWS guided rocket system. The PAF is expected to be a future user of this system, being a longtime user of Hydra 70 unguided rockets.

The AW109 Power also has better performance envelop in terms of speed, range, service ceiling, endurance and payload compared to the smaller MD-520MG. As specified, the AW109 Power shall be equipped with a night fighting system with electro-optical and infra-red system, and airborne fire control system compatible to laser designator and night fighting system which the MD-520MG does not have.

In general terms of capability, the incoming AW109 Power would become the most modern helicopter gunships the PAF ever had, an improvement from the Sikorsky AUH-76 and MD Helicopters MD-520MG gunships that it currently has. But of course it has its deficiencies.


Deficiencies:
Being a helicopter based on a multi-purpose civilian design before being a adapted as a military platform, the AW109 does not have core competencies that other purpose-built attack helicopters have. With the specifications released, MaxDefense previously categorized the helicopter as a light armed scout platform and not a real attack helicopter gunship in the likes of the Boeing AH-64D Longbow Apache. It is lightly armed, unarmored, and are not designed to engage in high intensity conflicts like their pure breed gunship stablemates.


Unlike real gunships like the very much loved AH-64 Apache, the AW109 Power was not designed to take high damage from enemy fire, and are best used in "shoot & scoot" manner and effectively use its speed and size.
Photo courtesy of AgustaWestland.

In the PAF setting, the PAF's future AW109 Power is sufficient enough to tackle insurgency issues and air support to internal security operations. But that won't be the case if it confronts well armed foreign ground forces with armored assets and sufficient air defense capability. The PAF will need to upgrade them further to be able to accept anti-tank guided missile systems that will enable them to attack lightly defended armored formations in a shoot and scoot way.  

Overall:
For its intended purpose, the AW109 Power is good enough for the PAF. But MaxDefense believes that the PAF should have upped the ante by going for the slightly heavier and more expensive AW109 LUH, which was based on the Power. The LUH is configured especially for military requirements, partially armored cockpit, has more power and slightly higher performance than the basic Power model. But we can't do anything about it anymore as the deal went ahead as planned.

A good thing is that the short delivery time promised by AgustaWestland will help the PAF immediately fill up its needs, and immediately start the MLU and upgrade of its existing MD-520MG assets, some which are non-operational and stored due to airframe and mechanical component issues.


We might expect the PAF AW109 Power to look similar to the Malaysian Army's AW109 LUH (shown above).
Photo taken from malaysianflyingherald.wordpress.com.

Congratulations to the PAF, AFP and DND for finally finishing the bid for new attack helicopters. Let's all wait if AgustaWestland can really keep its promise of sending the 1st batches of the helicopters before the end of 2014.










86 comments:

  1. Good start for the PAF, but we need more units after the 8 is delivered, preferably the more dedicated attack helo.

    Keep blogging, Max.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are plans to get more, but there's no definite schedule and funding for that yet.

      Delete
    2. Sir Max, what happen to plans for fitting BRP alcaraz with anti-ship missile? does this was done during their drydocking in keppel shipyard? Ive read from the news they have just concluded sea trial but now updates for this plan of fitting bigger weapons...

      Delete
    3. what happen to anti-ship missile for brp alacraz Sir Max? any update?

      Delete
    4. The plan for the 2 frigates are now in the pipeline. let's hope it will prosper.

      Delete
  2. its a proof that this government has political will, Go Philippines!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. thank you president pnoy for the continious support to our afp modernazation.I'm looking ahead of this. koresn offer after this right after the fa50 and the two incheon class frigate.with package of one or two pohang class corvette for free.such a nice defense for our eez and philippine islet in spratly.you chinese go out or else you will be shot down...lem1

    ReplyDelete
  4. Well, this show that the philippines can get their helos from anywhere...not just fr uncle sam ! as it should. Good Show.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AW109E Power is a good upgrade for the PAF, hopefully in the future PAF will be able to acquire some EDA Bell AH-1 SuperCobra from the US if there is any available.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. like I said Good Show ! but the Philippine must acquire more of these birds & get AW to set up their MRO here...and a hub for these helos, like what Eurocopter did in Malaysia & Indonesia. In due time all A109 in SEA will get their job done here. TQ (Hi5)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are reports that AgustaWestland is looking at it. Let's wait for now what the final decision is. Maybe if we get all our helicopter needs from them, perhaps?

      Delete
  8. like I said Good Show ! but the Philippine must acquire more of these birds & get AW to set up their MRO here...and a hub for these helos, like what Eurocopter did in Malaysia & Indonesia. In due time all A109 in SEA will get their job done here. TQ (Hi5)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Its good for now i dont expect anytime soon communist and moros will have manpad or any shoulder fire infrared guided misdile.well anyway have maintainan altitude ikanga bka matsambahan ng rocket propel grenade.

    ReplyDelete
  10. this is one step higher, next step the aw129

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think the PAF is reffering to AW 109 LUH variant..

    On AugustaWestland Page, the AW 109 "POWER" that they have is not an attack version and has no armaments.. While the AW 109 LUH is the has wide variety of weapons includes machine guns, rocket launchers, anti-tank missiles( TOW, HOT, and Helfire), air to air( Stingers and Mistral) , and designed for multi role purpose( able to perform all light helicopter roles including training, troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, maritime patrol, observation, armed escort and anti-armour )..

    As stated this so called "ATTACK HELICOPTERS" that is a variant of the AW 109 POWER is the AW 109 LUH which is the "Multi-role and light attack as Sir Max is referring to as an Arrmed Scout heli".,

    August Westland's AW 109 LUH is the best selling Helicopter of the company, used by operators like South African Air Force, Nigerian Air Force as well as Sweden, New Zealand and Malaysia..

    Hope my instincts are right... :))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So far MaxDefense can't confirm this since the budget allocated for the helicopters does not point to the LUH. MaxDefense believes that the AW109 Power for the PAF is possibly a special version that combines the Power and LUH capabilities in a cheaper platform.

      Delete
    2. The AW 109 LUH has a Turbomeca engine while the AW 109 Power has the Pratt & Whitney engine. From the Malaysian experience, the LUH is not doing as well as the Power in terms of maintenance, reliability & fuel consumption

      Delete
  12. Or maybe an attack version of the AW 109 E Power?? It seems that it is confusing?? What will be its designation AW 109 P Power ( "P" for Philippine Air Force)??

    ReplyDelete
  13. this is fine for now. at least we have brand new light attack choppers that can be upgraded and converted to other missions. as far as armor, Im sure the cockpit can be installed with armor in future locally. there are some flexibility here. if armed with heavy weapons such as anti tank it can be a force multiplier, being light chopper means it will be maneuvereable and faster. we can't complain folks. If the government can and wil confiscate all stolen wealth of PDAF crooks then we can buy more aircrafts, frigrates and maybe a sub in future.

    ReplyDelete
  14. 2 of 5 AW-109 PN helicopters equipped with weapons, electronic warfare systems
    The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that two out the five AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters that it will be acquiring this year are classified as combat helicopters.
    Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic made this announcement after noting that these aircraft are fitted with weapon and electronic warfare systems.
    He did not give the exact specifications, citing operational security reasons.
    "The two helicopters which will arrive next year are classified as combat helicopters than the initial three that are classified as naval helicopters. They are more upgraded in terms of firepower and electronic warfare systems," Fabic said.
    Three of the PN's AW-109 helicopters are scheduled to arrive this December.
    These are the naval versions, Fabic stressed.

    http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/news/80203-2-of-5-AW-109-PN-helicopters-equipped-with-weapons,-electronic-warfare-systems.html

    Full article

    Are these 2 AW 109 will be used for our Hamilton Class Frigates??

    ReplyDelete
  15. These are good news & a positive sign that the AFP is finally making head way. Although there are some corners cut in choosing this model as to the military spec model. Since these are the first batch for their light attack helicopter they might reconsider the AW109E LUH model on the succeeding batch of gunships for a lot of reasons namely for better protection and power.

    ReplyDelete
  16. good job for the aquino government.. i hope the next president will do the same,

    ReplyDelete
  17. sir max is there any plan in the afp to acquire mobile missile launcher for air defense like the S 300. i think it will be most effective for defense and much cheaper, correct me if im wrong

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MR. MAX sagutin mo si Rival...Tamaan kano?? kaya di mo masagot! (LOL)

      Mr MAx if you concern about defenses why you d'dnt suggest this to Govt?


      Tama ka tol....S-300 or S-400 and Israel Landbase missile system is more effective when it comes for defense even offense also plus 50% cheaper and it can cover 200 nautical miles or more(..kaso ang isip ng DND natin kung pano sila maka kickback sa pera na gagamitin)

      mas mahal ang barko kaysa truck mobile( ewan kuba bakit di maisip isip ng mga kumag na DND or govt ang pag kakaiba)


      Delete
    2. Anonymous, I do hope that before you made that comment, you think twice or thrice at least. Because if you think your idea is correct, then all countries bought the S-300/400 immediately.

      These missile batteries can only be used for 2 things: as a deterrent, or for actual shooting of enemy aircraft. It cannot do a lot of things that fighter aircraft can do like air policing, surveillance and recon, ground attack, and a whole lot more. The only time you buy these expensive assets is if you have an effective radar & detection system (which the PH don't have), sufficient number of fighter aircraft (which the PH don't have), and enough budget to purchase, maintain and operate one (which the PH lacks as well). It's not as easy as just buying a gun from the gun store. It's part of a system. And you don't (and can't) use it for offensive means.

      Please post in a manner that is respectful if you want to be respected.

      Delete
    3. MR. Max..what kind of equipment our BRP Alcaraz need?? to be a complete warship??

      Delete
    4. If the Chinese have S-300s or S-400s, probably they know the strength and weakness of those systems and they know how to best counter it. Would a mix of Russian and American SAM for the Philippine defense be feasible? It seems like a good deterrence to me when you don't know what you are really up against.

      Delete
    5. I think it is not that easy to maintain two different systems for defensive weapons sir Louie, is is not practical for PHL, we lack budget for one alone. Compatibility for most of our weapons systems from different branches is the best options. same as using system that is interchangeable.

      Delete
    6. Mixing Ruskie and Amerikanski missiles will have difficulties in integrating them into a single unified system. The same issue why the Americans are very concerned on Turkey's decision to go Chinese for its long range air defense system. I am not saying it is impossible, but do you think the Americans will just sit idly smiling happily if the AFP did go Russian + American? It would be more feasible to go American + anything from US allies/NATO, example from Israel, Korea or France. If the PH goes Russian, better go Russian all the way.

      Delete
  18. . "phil navy's aw-109 heli arriving this december"".. is this true sir max?? arriving this dec.??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes its arriving this coming december this year. i saw in you tube.

      Delete
  19. to all whose not taken for granted to our Armend Forces, just shut up your mouth you dont know what you are doing and I know the knowledege of our Armed force why they choose this helicopter.... To sir Max, Im sorry to say this to anyone against this modernazation... Lem1

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Sir Max, what happen to the report previously regarding the Procurement of Philippine Coast of this what they are so called La Tapageuse patrol boat from France? Is this already confirm that this ship will become an asset of Philippine Coast Guard? How about those fromJapan? Is their any updates? Lem1

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sir Max, what can you say about the recent report to ayungin shoal that was plan by China to envade through their tactics of what they are so called the cabbage strategy? I think all those Philippine Marines who gaurded under Sierra Madea PN Ships are all in danger.. It is best to our AFP to better protect this by putting some anti ship and anti aircraft achine guns and make a helipad to have abtter access....

    ReplyDelete
  22. yes... we better equip our soldier who guarded from sierra madre ships... let us equip them with RPG and ambros rocket pad... we might build flatform for the islet so helicopter and PN ship will be accomodate and goverment must seriously protect that with all stand...let us build like those build by seabees the shell like marine output for better living of our soldier...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. now is the and AFP should move fast to occupy Ayungin since the Chinese left because of the super typhoon. AFP should deploy some platoons of marines and gun boats there now and build a helipad and small water port.

      Delete
  23. Remember guys, russian gov and philippines gov are not fully friendly nation. Bec we are american alies. So stop pursuing russian technolgy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not because Russia is a "not fully friendly" nation as you claim. Russia is a friend, you can see that with their offer to send relief to calamity stricken Leyte. But the reason is more because of their system and doctrines do not match what our military uses, which is more patterned to NATO standard and close coordination with allies like the US.

      Delete
  24. Hi Max,

    Hopefully they can fast track the requirements needed air assets and naval ships for the AFP specially those air assets like the C27J and SSV ships that already been approved in the last bidding, so that it can immediately provides to deliver the supply and facilitate the rescue our own kababayans needing help specially in the Yolanda aftermath.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Overall, what PAF got is not a pure Attack helicopter as they claim to be. In reality, what they have is an Light Armed Scout/Recon/SAR Helicopter. The AW109 Power is not the same as a AH-64D, MI-28, Mi-35 or KA-50.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Reports says Chinese Left Ayungin, time to occupy them now since they are gone..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's nothing to occupy anymore since our LST with a squad of Marines are already there. All our military has to do is to improve the presence by making a permanent detachment that is safer than a dilapidated ship.

      Delete
    2. I suggest that we come up with actual surveys and studies on building easily assembled lighthouses and ranger stations on stilts on reefs and shoals within our EEZ and will be manned by our fishermen, as well as BFAR & PCG units. Volunteer fishermen and divers units should be created to build these all at the same time. And we will improve it later on just like what the Chinese have done to our Panganiban Shoal (Mischief Reef). But I think that we have to wait for the FA-50s, new Frigates, CAS and shore based missiles so that we can protect our men if ever they are fired upon by the chinks.

      Delete
    3. We can build a permanent detachment at Ayungin. If we buy M/V Susitna, that ship can transport building materials for the detachment. That ship is also beachable so no problem landing it on shallow waters. Sir Max, any updates on the M/V Susitna? I would be very glad to here some positive updates regarding its acquisition. Seems like the government is not interested. This ship is already cheap and it is unused. PN should grab this oppurtunity.

      Delete
  27. Time-out ! CNN 'the phi AF has three C130 to help send aids to how many island?? after typhoon haiyan. We need more transport aircraft. Forget c27j it's too expensive ! Get CN235( South Korea use them) it's cheaper... though c27j can carry 3x cargo capacity but can it fly to three diff island? We need the Nos. For wars we don't know when. But Typhoon? YES, we do every year! We need to do more now, than to wait for International aid to arrive, which our people can't wait. Ask for help fr neighbors to use their air & sea asset. How I wish the phi can send it own satellite

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MaxDefense hopes that this disaster is also a wake up call for the government to get the needed military equipment that can also be used for civil defense and disaster relief like more cargo planes and helicopters. It's already obvious that 3 C-130s a few F-27 are not enough to cover the Visayas region.

      Delete
  28. hi sir max, is it true in the news today that president pnoy would cancel the aquisition of 12 fa50 to allocate the fund for typhon victims in visayas?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No confirmation, but the FA-50 is a priority project that needs to be completed. The disaster is one thing, defense of the country is another. Budget has already been allocated for the FA-50.

      Delete
    2. your critics MR. MAX

      If this issue are true?? that they will cancel the buying of FA-50..then...I am correct that DND and Govt. are all talking and Doing nothing......nyahahahahahaha




      Delete
    3. Could be a good development and the cheaper more capable Kfir Block60 is bought instead. The savings going to the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

      A better Kfir Block60 fighter and more money for rehabilitation.

      Delete
    4. You have to remember that the FA-50 actually fills 2 roles: primarily as a lead in fighter trainer, and secondarily as a light fighter and ground attack aircraft. The PAF could have other options, but it will always include the purchase of LIFT to prepare PAF pilots for fas jet operations.

      Delete
  29. Thank God ! Let it be true... This is the president of the people...the victims & those living need HELP now. news that another strong wind - zaida is OTW . The phi must make a lot of friends in this area, must NOT be pola to uncle sam alone. FA50 will always be there. Victims not eaten day on end will not be there
    Pinoy unite for times like this...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good thing that Typhoon Zoraida deteriorated, good news indeed for the stricken people of Visayas region.

      Delete
  30. Hey max, this is doziex from beegeagle's blog.

    On behalf of beegeagle's blog, and the Nigerian people, I offer my condolences to you and the great people of the philippines.

    Our prayers and that of the entire world is with your nation.

    This Too, you will overcome.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi General Doziex! Thank you very much! The Filipino people are thankful for the care and prayers from our Nigerian brothers! Please extend my people's regards to members of Beegeagle's blog as well!

      Delete
  31. Admiral Max! greetings to you and all the comrades here on this great blog. On behalf of my humble self, Beabeagle blogspot and the people of Nigeria, i wish to send our condolences to the families of the victims of typhoon Haiyan and to the people of Philippines in general. Our prayers are with you. God bless you all! -Obix

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. On behalf of the Filipino people, we thank the people of Nigeria and members of Beegeagle's blog for your condolences, prayers and care for our people... it's really a tough times for my country and our people, and I'll be posting your message through MaxDefense Facebook page as well for all others to read. Thank you!!!

      Delete
  32. thank u sir max for the info regarding the updates to our philippine air force modernazation particular those with the fa 50 acquisition

    ReplyDelete
  33. Been following the news of the devastation ur nation has witnessed with horror. I'm sorry I've not come sooner. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, may the injured get healing, may the weak receive strength, may the afraid receive courage. Thinking about all of u.
    Ifiok umoeka, beegeagleblog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much my friend, it's never too late to console our people, your prayers are indeed appreciated!

      Delete
  34. i appreciate the efforts made by our Pilot and other personnel of our Air Force for the logistics support they have made to the victims of typhoon yolanda... you have a great job guys and i salute you for that... but it seems we have a shortage of transport aircraft and the workhorse of three c-130 have already been over used... much better if we have a 5 c130 to accomodate all of this plus three medium range transport such as the cj 27 spartan.. nway i dont see any sokols helicopter flying in tacloban or cebu.. do they also used for the logistics provided by the air force? anyone who knows this?

    ReplyDelete
  35. gunship my ass..2 machine guns..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Literally, 2 machine guns can make it a "gun"ship right? 😊

      Seriously though, the AW109 for the PAF can also carry rockets, and can be upgraded to carry guided munitions as explained in the blog. Its not impossible to see them armed with ATGWs in the future if the PAF decides to.

      Delete
  36. paf has to settle in the middle ground, cant be medium transport nor a true attack helicopter. here we have the aw109 luh. i hope it has cameras to support ground troops. but they should fill the medium/heavy transport soon. new armored trucks/vehicles

    ReplyDelete
  37. at least we have something new. can't complain if the politicians keep stealing your money for the modernization. this is lot better than the former first gentleman Arroyo sold to the PNP, those Arroyo choppers were not specs for police work, they look like hobby choppers and they said its new when not.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually the Robinson helicopters the PNP bought are good for light personnel transport, patrol and city traffic monitoring, but not for heavier work like what they PAF Hueys do. The main issue there is that the PNP accepted used helicopters when they were sold as brand new.

      Delete
  38. Hi sir max...good day...just a question...we all know that the PN also purchase the AW109 helos and I would like to know if the PN assets has the capability to launch air launch light anti-ship missiles? If not would you think it's viable for the PN to purchase such kind of air assets which can also be stationed to our del pilar class frigates to gives these naval assets some form of offensive capabilities other than the oto melara guns that they have? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi dann, the AW109 may not be able to launch anti ship missiles, but there are plans to acquire a naval ASW helicopter capable of firing torpedoes or missiles.

      Delete
  39. I remember seeing a post on Facebook which showed 2-3 AW-109E Power Helicopters being prepped for Philippine Navy from the outside it looked all ready for delivery the only thing missing are the Weapons Pods&Firce-control Systems as well as the Night-fighting Capability.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It will not have capability to deliver munitions other than a sniper or possibly a door gun. This is not the AW109 for the PAaf that are prepped for gunship use. I believe 2 of the navy's AW109 are ready for deliver within a week or 2.

      Delete
  40. for attack helicopters can we be more serious by probably buying Agusta Westland AW129 Mangusta?

    ReplyDelete
  41. sir i've been seeing aw-109s in a camo scheme flying around cavite city since last week. have we taken delivery of the aw 109s for the paf?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No PAF AW109s yet. Are you sure they are not in navy grey scheme? Only the navy has the AW109s in Cavite.

      Delete
  42. Sir Max Good Day
    i would like to ask if AFP/DND has any plans acquiring medium lift helicopters? like AW149 which is good carrying troops.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are always plans for them but the question is prioritization - where is the medium helicopter requirement in the list of priorities. As of now the next in line in the priority list are the combat utility helicopters that will take the place of the W-3A Sokols that were transferred to rescue ops.

      Delete
  43. The filipino people are not contented of what the armed forces have acquired now.We want more armaments that can cause more heavy damaged. Why not used all the money taken from the Marcoses ,its a lot of money,why not used it. Or same as usual... ok na yan

    ReplyDelete
  44. The filipino people are not contented of what the armed forces have acquired now.We want more armaments that can cause more heavy damaged. Why not used all the money taken from the Marcoses ,its a lot of money,why not used it. Or same as usual... ok na yan

    ReplyDelete
  45. We must remember the one which crashed in Vauxhall S.London, I personally blame the crane not being lit up especially on the flight paths to approach Heathrow, The Firm should be Prosecuted for failing H&S Regulations,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a combination of safety and human error. The helicopter was said to be in good shape when the accident occured.

      Delete
  46. Maganda ang sinimulan ng DND to modernize our AFP...hopefully the Phil can start to produce its own military equiptment which is cheaper, tailor made for our needs and on an economic stand point..it will bring new economic opportunities (wag lang sana sa mga buwayang nasa senado at kongreso, ganun din yun mga nka uniporme ng 5-star general)

    ReplyDelete
  47. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  48. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Philippine Air Force deserves the best attack helicopter available. KA-52 Attack Helicopter is the best for the PAF. END OF STORY!!! PERIOD!!!

    ReplyDelete

Philippine Navy Modernization Projects

Philippine Air Force Modernization Projects